Warriors' Kevon Looney has core muscle surgery, is expected back next season

Golden State Warriors big man Kevon Looney underwent surgery to fix a core muscle injury, the team announced Wednesday.

Looney's surgery, which took place Tuesday, was performed by Dr. William Meyers at the Vincera Institute in Philadelphia. The Warriors expect Looney to be ready to play again next season.

After his solid 2018-19 season, the Warriors signed the 6-foot-9 Looney to a three-year, $15 million deal last summer in hopes he could continue developing into a core piece of the organization.

But Looney struggled to find any rhythm in 2019-20, playing in only 20 games while dealing with a nerve condition that limited him. He averaged 3.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in 13.1 minutes.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who has repeatedly sung Looney's praises over the past couple of seasons, had been hopeful the 24-year-old would be able to return this year before the NBA season was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.