Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s NBA journey has come full circle in a way that few might have predicted - from a promising young guard in Detroit to a two-time NBA champion, and now, potentially, nearing the end of the road in Memphis.
For Pistons fans who remember the early 2010s, KCP’s name still carries a bit of nostalgia. Drafted eighth overall in 2013, he didn’t explode onto the scene as a star, but he carved out a role as a dependable two-way player.
By his second season, he was a full-time starter, and in 2015-16, he helped lead Detroit to 44 wins and a playoff berth - still tied for the franchise’s best season since 2008. That team didn’t make a deep postseason run, but it was a rare bright spot in an otherwise rocky decade for the Pistons.
Caldwell-Pope’s time in Detroit ended after four seasons when he turned down a contract extension and the team eventually renounced his rights. That opened the door for a one-year deal with the Lakers - a move that would reshape the trajectory of his career. While he never became a household name or perennial All-Star, he found his niche as a classic 3-and-D wing - the kind of player every contender needs but not every team can find.
And contenders? KCP found them.
He was a key starter on the 2020 Lakers team that won the NBA title in the Orlando bubble. His role was clear: space the floor, knock down open threes, and take on tough defensive assignments.
He hit 45 triples during that playoff run and often drew the matchup against the opposing team’s best perimeter scorer. He didn’t just fit in - he mattered.
But as quickly as he found a home in L.A., he was on the move again. The Lakers included him in the Russell Westbrook trade, sending him to Washington in a deal that, in hindsight, did little for either side. His time with the Wizards was brief, and he soon landed in Denver - and once again, found himself starting for a championship team.
The 2023 Nuggets were a force, and Caldwell-Pope’s veteran presence in the backcourt helped balance their high-powered offense. He wasn’t flashy, but he was steady - hitting shots, guarding wings, and doing the little things that don’t always show up in the box score but win playoff games.
After two seasons in Denver, the Nuggets opted not to re-sign him, and he signed with the Orlando Magic. That’s where things started to shift.
His production dipped, and the fit never quite clicked. Eventually, he was included in a trade to Memphis this past summer, part of the deal that brought Desmond Bane to Orlando.
Now in Memphis, at 32 years old, Caldwell-Pope is facing the harsh reality that every NBA veteran eventually confronts - the game doesn’t wait for anyone. His minutes are down to 22.4 per game, the lowest since his rookie year.
His shooting has taken a significant hit - just 37.1% from the field and 32.9% from three. His effective field goal percentage sits at 45.5%, a career low.
Offensively, he’s struggling to make an impact, averaging just 7.6 points per game.
Defensively, he’s still solid, but not game-changing. And with the Grizzlies floundering, his presence hasn’t been enough to steady the ship.
Memphis needs help on offense, and right now, KCP just isn’t providing it. The numbers suggest he’s operating below replacement level - a tough pill for a player who’s been a starter on two championship teams.
Looking ahead, it’s fair to wonder how much longer Caldwell-Pope will be part of the Grizzlies’ rotation. As the season wears on, Memphis could pivot toward younger players, especially if the playoff picture fades further out of reach. If not for the $21.6 million he’s owed next season, this might be the final chapter of his NBA career.
It’s a tough turn for a player who’s quietly put together a long, successful run in the league. In fact, among all players drafted by the Pistons still active in the NBA, Caldwell-Pope has played the most games - 933 and counting.
That’s more than Andre Drummond. More than Khris Middleton.
He may not have been the most talented of that group, but he’s been one of the most durable and dependable.
And that’s what makes this moment feel so significant. For longtime Pistons fans, watching KCP’s career wind down in Memphis is a reminder of how far he’s come - and how quickly time moves in the NBA. From Detroit to L.A., to Washington, Denver, Orlando, and now Memphis, Caldwell-Pope has seen just about every corner of the league.
If this is indeed the beginning of the end, he leaves behind a legacy of consistency, professionalism, and timely contributions on the biggest stages. Not every player gets to say they started for two title teams. KCP can.