At the 2018 NBA Finals mega media availability, I had the audacity to question Kevon Looney’s defense on a couple plays to Warriors assistant coach Chris DeMarco. DeMarco scoffed and just could not contain himself. He smiled and shot back, “You think that because you don’t know anything about positional defense!”



Ripping “Loon” does not go over well with the Warriors coaching staff. That’s because he’s elite at following the game plan and honoring the scouting report. These qualities aren’t necessarily apparent to the viewing fan, but such players allow a defense to maintain its integrity. Individually, these qualities have allowed Looney to hold up 1-on-1 when switched against James Harden and other elite perimeter scorers.



When asked about Looney’s upcoming free agency, Steve Kerr replied: “He’s an integral piece for us, especially for the modern game, the switching. I know every coach would...