The Orlando Magic was one of the beautiful surprises of this past NBA season. Treading mediocrity and the lottery, the team sprung into a top-five seed in the Eastern Conference. While their run ended in a Game 7 loss in the first round of the Playoffs, the team is optimistic going into next season.
Led by a budding superstar in former number 1 overall draft pick Paolo Banchero and rising star Franz Wagner, the team already has a core in place. And, thanks to a fantastic signing, their future might be even brighter.
The seamless fit of Kentavious Caldwell–Pope and the Orlando Magic
The Magic defense, anchored by a returning Jonathan Isaac, was the 2nd best in the league last season. Going by defensive rating, only the Minnesota Timberwolves under DPOY Rudy Gobert had a better defensive showing.
But the primary concern for the team was offense. Outside of their two stars, the team struggled to string together quality offensive possessions. One of the key reasons for their offensive limitations was the lack of long-range threats.
However, adding a veteran in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope looks like a dream fit for a young team on the brink of contention. With two championships in the last five years, Pope brings the kind of experience invaluable for a young squad.
Further, his two-way exploits give the team some much-needed shooting without compromising their stout defense. As a career 38% shooter, KCP has eclipsed the 40% mark thrice in the last 5 seasons, comfortably making him the best shooter on the team.
But the dominos and effects of the deal might be far longer than just for Orlando.
How does the rest of the league factor into the KCP move?
The Eastern Conference as a whole continues to get tougher. Whether it was New York acquiring Mikal Bridges or Philadelphia signing Paul George, no team is ready to give an inch.
The Boston Celtics are essentially returning with their championship-winning squad. As a result, the KCP move, while minor, could play a big part in the youngsters’ progression for the Magic.
On the other hand, the biggest blow has to come to the Denver Nuggets. The team has lost two key contributors in back-to-back seasons thanks to the second apron limitations. First, it was Bruce Brown, who departed for a hefty $45 million price tag. Now, a year after winning the Championship, the team has to part ways with KCP without any additional hardware.
Instead, their focus shifts to Russell Westbrook, who is reportedly being shopped in trade discussions by the Los Angeles Clippers. Thanks to mutual interest from both sides, the deal looks possible.
A team winning the championship, losing in the playoffs the next year, and replacing Caldwell-Pope with Westbrook. Huh, wonder where we’ve seen that before.
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