Pelicans' Kevon Looney sidelined 2-3 weeks with left knee ligament sprain

New Orleans Pelicans center Kevon Looney will be sidelined for at least two to three weeks after being diagnosed with a sprain of the proximal tibiofibular ligament in his left knee, the team announced Wednesday. The injury occurred during a preseason exhibition in Australia on Oct. 5, and Looney will be reevaluated after the initial recovery period to determine next steps.

The proximal tibiofibular joint helps connect the shin bone and the fibula, and a sprain there can cause joint instability and intermittent subluxation. Medical guidance typically emphasizes rest and targeted rehabilitation, with surgery considered only if conservative treatment does not restore stability, team officials said. The Pelicans gave no firm timetable beyond the two- to three-week window and said they will provide an update following reevaluation.

Looney, 29, signed a two-year deal with New Orleans this offseason after 10 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, where he was part of multiple championship teams. He has career averages of roughly 5.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists and was brought in to add veteran rebounding, screening and frontcourt depth alongside younger centers on the roster.