Kevon Looney sparks Rick James jokes with his unexpected new look

Social media users were a bit taken aback by Looney’s new appearance with the long dreadlocks (that almost made him look like he had a Jheri curl). As a result, jokes began flying about how much Looney resembled the late Rick James (or least the Dave Chappelle version of James).

The 29-year-old Looney made the stunning decision to sign with the Pelicans on a multi-year deal after spending the first 10 seasons of his NBA career with the Golden State Warriors. Looney was part of three total Golden State championship teams (in 2017, 2018, and 2022) as an important blue-collar role player who helped man the interior on both ends of the floor.

For the Pelicans next season, Looney, who averaged 4.5 points and 6.1 rebounds in a mere 15.0 minutes per game last season, should be able to do more of the same. Yves Missi, 21, and Derik Queen, 20, will be Looney’s main competition for center minutes, so the former UCLA star is set to provide some valuable frontcourt experience.

As for Looney’s hair, he has played with dreadlocks before but never quite that … free-flowing. Perhaps Looney learned that one from his former star teammate who actually has a tattoo of the “Super Freak” hitmaker James.