NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 potential destinations for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

1. Philadelphia 76ers

After trading for the number one pick in the NBA Draft and selecting Markelle Fultz, the Sixers accelerated the long process of building a team with championship potential. With Embiid, Simmons and Fultz they now have their future core set. Fultz and Simmons will take on the majority of ball handling duties for next season, but on the other end the floor the Sixers don’t have many players with defensive versatility in the backcourt. KCP would fill that need. Starting KCP alongside Robert Covington would give Philadelphia two formidable, switchy defenders and really improve their perimeter defense.

On the offensive side of the ball KCP provides solid shooting, but lacks real playmaking juice. He wouldn’t need to consistently create with the Sixers though, which would allow them to maximize his many talents as an off ball player. If his shooting can improve and approach the 40% threshold, he would be an ideal fit within Philadelphia’s offense. This team will need reliable shooting given the uncertainty of Simmons’ jump shot and the likely adjustment period Fultz will require to approach the long range prowess he flashed in college. Caldwell-Pope could be a competent outlet that would improve what was the league’s most inept offense last season; Philadelphia finished dead last in offensive efficiency (per ESPN Hollinger Stats).

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Another important benefit of joining the Sixers would be that KCP closely aligns with their age timeline moving forward.  He could grow alongside their young stars as the team hopefully blossoms into a title contender down the road. The Sixers have the space to make an offer and the fit would be excellent. Detroit holds the cards here though, in the end the decision comes down to them.