In the summer of 2022, Kevon Looney and Jordan Poole etched their names into the Golden State Warriors’ storied legacy. They weren’t the stars in neon lights or the faces of shoe deals and commercials. But they were vital. Together, they helped bring another championship to the Bay Area—a triumph that wasn’t just about skill, but resilience, belief, and chemistry. They shared a journey, a grind, and a bond that transcended the hardwood. That season made them brothers.
Now, in 2025, that brotherhood is back—this time in the unlikeliest of places: New Orleans.
In a surprising move that shook both coasts of the basketball world, the New Orleans Pelicans have managed to unite Looney and Poole once again. And while the setting has changed—from the roaring crowds of Chase Center to the vibrant energy of Smoothie King Center—the mission feels eerily familiar: build something real, something lasting. But this time, they’re not joining an established dynasty. They’re here to help create one.
Looney’s departure from the Warriors marked the end of an era. A three-time NBA champion, Looney was never flashy, but he was indispensable. He set bone-crushing screens, anchored the defense, and grabbed rebounds like his life depended on it. Game after game, he embraced the role no one celebrates, and in doing so, he became beloved in the Bay. Now 29, he brings a decade of experience and a masterclass in professionalism to a Pelicans squad brimming with youthful promise but searching for consistency and identity.
On the other hand, Poole’s journey has been a whirlwind. Explosive and unpredictable, he was once the engine of the Warriors’ second unit. Nicknamed “Poole Party” for his electric energy and fearless shot selection, he gave the Warriors offense a new dimension during their 2022 title run. But stardom came quickly, and with it came challenges—both on and off the court. A trade to Washington tested him. It was a season full of growing pains, individual numbers, but team struggles. Now, he lands in New Orleans with a chance to redefine his narrative. And, perhaps most importantly, with Looney at his side.
The Pelicans, led by Executive Vice President David Griffin, have long been searching for the right mix to maximize their talent. Zion Williamson is still the franchise cornerstone—an unstoppable force when healthy. Brandon Ingram is an elite shot-maker and facilitator. Trey Murphy III continues to grow into a high-level two-way wing. CJ McCollum remains a respected veteran voice. The pieces have been there. But something has been missing.
Enter Looney and Poole.
More than their skills, the Pelicans are betting on their pedigree. Few players in today’s league understand what it takes to win at the highest level. Fewer still know how to bring that standard into a locker room without disrupting chemistry. Looney, quiet and steady, has always been the example others follow. Poole, energetic and vocal, brings a different kind of leadership—one rooted in confidence, creativity, and infectious energy.
Together, they offer something this young Pelicans team needs: accountability, maturity, and belief.
In many ways, their reunion feels like basketball poetry. During their Golden State run, Looney and Poole were unlikely heroes. They didn’t share the same playing style, nor the same role, but they had an unspoken understanding. When Poole dazzled with deep threes and acrobatic finishes, Looney was there setting the screen, grabbing the miss, or sealing the defender. When Poole hit a big shot, Looney would calmly walk back down the court like he expected it. When Poole struggled, Looney was often the first to offer encouragement.
Now, that chemistry will be on display once again—only this time in a different color jersey.
Their arrival also signals something deeper for the Pelicans organization: a shift in mindset. For years, New Orleans has been seen as a talented team with potential, but not quite ready to contend. Injuries, inconsistency, and lack of identity plagued them. With Looney and Poole, the front office is making a statement—they’re done waiting. They’re ready to build a culture where winning isn’t just hoped for—it’s expected.
Looney’s impact will be immediate. While he may not start every game, his presence in the frontcourt brings much-needed stability. He’ll mentor young bigs like Dyson Daniels and rookie Jaden Carter, teach them the art of positioning, timing, and mental toughness. On the court, he’ll be the defensive anchor and a calming presence during crunch time.
Poole, meanwhile, offers the offensive spark this team has occasionally lacked. With McCollum aging and Ingram sometimes passive, Poole gives them a go-to scorer who isn’t afraid of the moment. If he embraces efficiency and maturity, he could be a game-changer. And with familiar faces around him, he may finally find the balance between flair and discipline.
There’s also the intangible element—the brotherhood, the shared history. Looney and Poole understand each other. They know how to push one another, how to hold each other accountable, how to laugh through the grind and stay locked in through the storms. In a league where chemistry often determines who lifts trophies, that kind of bond is priceless.
New Orleans isn’t Golden State. There’s no Steph Curry, no Draymond Green, no dynasty banners. But there is hunger. There is talent. And now, there’s championship DNA.
The city of New Orleans, known for its rich culture and resilient spirit, might just be the perfect backdrop for this next chapter. Looney and Poole aren’t trying to recreate the past—they’re chasing something new. And they’re doing it together.
It won’t be easy. The Western Conference remains a gauntlet, with teams like the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Mavericks, and Suns all vying for supremacy. But this Pelicans team, once overlooked, now has voices in the room who’ve been to the mountaintop—and know what it takes to get back there.
For Looney, this move is a continuation of a legacy. For Poole, it’s a chance at redemption. For the Pelicans, it’s a blueprint for the future.
From the Bay to the Bayou, they come not as saviors, but as believers. Not as stars, but as standard-bearers. In 2022, they celebrated a title together. In 2025, they’re building a new dream—from the ground up.
The NBA is often a league of narratives. Stars rise, dynasties fall, and reunions spark something deeper than stats or storylines. The reunion of Kevon Looney and Jordan Poole is more than just a roster move—it’s a signal. The Pelicans aren’t chasing relevance. They’re chasing greatness.
And with Looney and Poole leading the way, they just might catch it.
