Golden State Warriors big man Kevon Looney will miss the next two games and is set to see a team of specialists to evaluate an ongoing neuropathic condition, the team announced Saturday, according to ESPN's Nick Friedell.
The club believes the nerve condition is a "direct correlation" to Looney's current hamstring issue.
"It's not really his hamstring," Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said. "It's kind of a neuropathic condition that he's had for a couple years. It's something he's been able to play through, but in this particular case, the condition is affecting his hamstring.
"His hamstring is sound, the MRI is clean, but it makes it trickier, actually, that it's a neuropathic condition. That's really all I'm going to say on it because I have no idea what I'm talking about when it comes to these matters."
The 23-year-old was pulled from Golden State's season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers with right hamstring tightness, but the team deemed it to be for precautionary reasons.
Looney was effective during his brief time on the court, finishing with three points and nine boards in 10 minutes of play.
The UCLA product re-signed with Golden State this offseason, inking a three-year, $15-million deal. Looney played a vital role in helping the Warriors reach their fifth consecutive NBA Finals last season, as he averaged 7.1 points and 4.5 boards per contest across 21 postseason appearances.
His absence leaves Golden State thin up front. Center Willie Cauley-Stein remains out with a foot sprain, while Marquese Chriss and Omari Spellman are unproven options.
"Those other guys have to step up in his absence ... myself, Draymond, and Loon have been here through these championships and you want to have us out there as much as possible throughout the year, but if not, it's just an opportunity," guard Stephen Curry said. "In this league, you've got guys who can surprise you with opportunities, so we'll see how it goes."
