Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has seen this movie before.
He was alongside LeBron James for the Lakers’ title run in 2020, and now, with James wearing a 76ers uniform, Caldwell-Pope says the star forward’s influence is already showing up around Philadelphia after just one preseason game.
At practice Tuesday, Caldwell-Pope pointed first to the basics: leadership, communication, and the kind of steady voice that changes how a team functions.
“Just his presence. His leadership, just being here.
Speaking when you see things on the floor,” Caldwell-Pope said. “I think he's still trying to learn everything as far as like what to say on the court, you know, what's the calls.
Stuff like that, and once he's learned that, I think everything's gonna be great. Right now, he's still trying to figure it out.”
For Caldwell-Pope, now in his 14th NBA season, the work goes beyond talent. He made it clear that the 76ers’ ceiling will depend on how well the group connects in every setting.
“Our chemistry is gonna be the biggest part for us,” Caldwell-Pope said. “Us liking each other, being able to be around each other, and having fun on and off the court.”
Philadelphia’s roster has no shortage of firepower, with Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and VJ Edgecombe all mentioned by Caldwell-Pope as part of the group around James. But he said the challenge is turning that depth into something coordinated, not just impressive on paper.
“We have so much talent from one through 12, or 15- however many guys we've got- and it's talent everywhere,” Caldwell-Pope added. “So, I think our biggest thing is just communicating with each other, learning each other's tendencies, and just trying to implement that on and off the court.”
The 76ers close out their preseason on Friday against the Celtics.
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76ers Face A Frontcourt Concern They Havent Solved Yet
The 76ers have spent the preseason trying to sort out a frontcourt issue that has lingered since the roster changed around Joel Embiid. Rebounding was already a concern entering camp, and the problem looked familiar again in a recent exhibition against Boston, when Philadelphia struggled to control the glass and leaned heavily on Embiid to clean up missed shots and second chances.
Philadelphias depth on the boards has gotten thinner after losing Andre Drummond and Kelly Oubre Jr. in free agency, leaving the team without two of its better rebounders from last season. With Embiids rebounding impact not quite what it once was, the 76ers are heading toward the regular season still searching for a more reliable answer inside. [Read more 🡒]
Joel Embiid Faces An Awkward New Question About LeBron In Philly
A strange little NBA side story followed Joel Embiid into the spotlight this week when an ESPN broadcast report suggested LeBron James had once confronted him for being late to practice. The claim was quickly denied by both James and Embiid, turning what sounded like a simple practice gripe into one of those odd locker-room anecdotes that takes on a life of its own.
The wrinkle for Philadelphia is less about the old report itself than what it says about the way stars are perceived around the league, especially when one of them is still trying to fit into a new setting with the 76ers. Former NBA player Olden Polynice added to the conversation by questioning the denials and pointing to the dynamic between James and Embiid, keeping the topic alive even after the original accusation was walked back. [Read more 🡒]
Sixers Are Running Out Of Time To Get Two Key Pieces Ready
The early part of camp has already made the Sixers wait on two newcomers they would rather be integrating on the fly than monitoring from the sideline. Adem Bona and Anfernee Simons have not yet appeared in preseason action, leaving Philadelphia without a chance to get a first real look at how each fits before games start counting for real.
Bona is working back from a foot injury, while Simons is dealing with a hamstring issue, and both were listed as partial participants in Mondays training camp session. The hope inside the team is still to get one last preseason look at them, whether that comes in the final exhibition or simply in time for the regular-season opener, but the clock is starting to shrink. [Read more 🡒]