Dejan Milojevic, Kevon Looney’s whispering assistant

One year ago, Dejan Milojevic (or “Decky” for short) was recruited by the Warriors to take charge of the James Wiseman project. Problem: the 2nd choice of the Draft 2020 had a white season in 2021/22 and the Serbian, former coach of Nikola Jokic at Mega Basket, finally focused his efforts on Kevon Looney.

And the least we can say is that the work of the 45-year-old technician seems to have paid off, because the current Golden State pivot is shining like never before in these playoffs. Witness, in particular, his 6.1 points (67% on shots), 7.7 rebounds (including 2.6 offensive) and 2.0 assists per game, in almost 20 minutes of playing time.

Reported over 36 minutes, Kevon Looney’s averages climbed squarely to 11.0 points, 13.9 rebounds (including 4.8 offensive) and 3.6 assists per game!

The 4th most effective rebounder in the playoffs

But, to really realize the excellent form displayed by the interior of 26 years, it is necessary to look at an advanced statistic: the “rebound percentage (REB%)”. Or the so-called “available” rebound rate captured by a player. Clearly, it is the percentage of missed shots he recovers when he is in play.

Thus, the one who is nicknamed “Loon'” by his teammates currently displays a “rebound percentage” of 21.6 and this is the 4th best percentage of these playoffs. In front of him, we find Jonas Valanciunas (29.0), Nikola Jokic (23.9) and Rudy Gobert (23.3), in other words three rebounders referenced in the NBA.

Better still: by looking at the history of this statistical data (listed since the 1970/71 season), we see that certain legendary interiors such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O’Neal, Karl Malone or David Robinson have never reached Kevon Looney’s 21.6 rebound percentage in a single playoff campaign!

This year, the Warriors pivot has therefore become a real rebound vacuum, even though he only peaked at a “Rebound Percentage” of 12.6 then 12.5, during the 2018 then 2019 playoffs. The only two others to which he has participated in his (young) career. But, in the meantime, a certain Dejan Milojevic landed in Golden State.

« He’s really become an elite rebounder this season and Decky, the assistant who works with our pivots, has done a great job helping him with that. “Said Steve Kerr in this regard.

Golden State’s X Factor

If, in these playoffs, the Warriors are in the Top 5 of the best teams in rebound (44.8 per game), defensive rebound (34.9), offensive rebound (9.8), rebound percentage (52.4) and points in second chance (14.5), they owe it in large part to the work done by Kevon Looney under the panels.

« Rebound is something I’ve always enjoyed “Said the one who notably had spikes at 22 rebounds and 18 rebounds, to eliminate Memphis (Game 6) and Dallas (Game 5) in the two previous rounds. ” I have made a lot of progress in this area this year. I feel like I’ve always been quite good at this level, but this season I’ve been much more consistent and focused in that area. That’s what made the difference. »

Facing the Celtics, in these tempting and uncertain Finals 2022, no one doubts that Kevon Looney will have a decisive role to play, in order to allow the Warriors to recover their throne, four years (already) after having abandoned it. It must be said that, for now, the C’s are not particularly flawless in rebounding and Golden State has every interest in controlling the racket, in the wake of its “X-Factor”, to gain the upper hand over Boston.

To do this, “Loon'” will be able to rely on the valuable advice of Dejan Milojevic. A Dejan Milojevic for whom rebounding is a real skill that needs to be acquired, thanks to perfect positioning. Thus, the Serb stands out from those who believe that to dominate on the rebound, it is above all a question of will.

Dennis Rodman as inspiration

This thought developed in Dejan Milojevic in the 1990s, when he came across matches by Dennis Rodman, one of the best rebounders in history despite a physique (2m01, 95kg) that did not predestine him to dominate. in this sector. However, “The Worm” reigned supreme on the various racquets of the league, thanks to an excellent sense of anticipation.

« If you observe the trajectory of the ball, you can predict and anticipate the rebound, depending on the power of the shot, which allows you to position yourself. And, if you fight, you can do all these things “explained the former coach of Mega Basket, who strives to teach that to the interiors he meets.

Another element which has its importance on the rebound: the “box out”, in order to prevent an opponent from being in a position of strength to catch the ball.

« If you come into contact with someone, they cannot jump. This is how you can wrestle with players who jump high added Dejan Milojevic, who watches a lot of videos, relies heavily on statistics and talks a lot with his “students” to get the best out of them.

We can say, since his arrival in San Francisco alongside Steve Kerr, the former coach of Nikola Jokic, Boban Marjanovic, Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot, Vasilije Micic, Ivica Zubac, Goga Bitadze or even Vlatko Cancar gets the best of Kevon Looney , who is currently in his life form.

« He works hard, he is a very coachable person, he always tries to do everything that is asked of him. I can see that we all appreciate having him around and I enjoy working with him. “, he confided to finish, concerning the pivot of Golden State.