Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is not a Piston

The first time I heard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s name, I thought “that’s a cool name.” Things got worse from there.

Not a ton worse. This wasn’t a sharp fall. No one fell off a cliff into a pit of sharks and lions because I can’t decide if the pit has water on the bottom or not. This was more like having your guinea pig refuse to eat out of your hand as you roll down a gradual hill on your longboard toward some kids you don’t particularly like.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s era in Detroit was largely defined by the negative. That’s singular, not plural. He didn’t shoot particularly well despite have a very pleasing form. At the same time, he didn’t let other players get good shots off. That’s not a bad trade-off. Nor is it good.

He didn’t take on a role as a second star, despite maybe being the best player on the team considering both ends of the court. He also didn’t make the team worse when he played. That isn’t something special, but neither were the Pistons.

He did not deserve a max deal. However, the Pistons did not seem to have a ton of options without him. Neither losing him for nothing or keeping him for a lot seemed a good idea. Despite what he did, the team would not come out of free agent negotiations better off.

Then Avery Bradley happened. He happened so fast. Suddenly, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope didn’t matter as much. No longer was there a two with potential. There was now a two who had reached and exceeded his.

With this moment came perspective and a bit of sadness. Basketball makes me sad sometimes. What made Pope special was all the things he wasn’t yet. What if he finally found his shot? What if he kept improving as a defender? What if he could take on some secondary playmaking duties? These are a lot of questions for a $20+ million salary to answer.

Next: More options for the Golden State Warriors redemption machine

Well, now I won’t get to know. I mean, maybe I’ll find out when I’m stuck watching the Lakers on national TV on some hope-forsaken February weeknight, but I’m no longer tied to the outcome. Pope did not reach his potential as quickly as I would have liked or wish. And now he is not here any more. I’d say he will not be missed, but that wouldn’t be exactly true.