In the Orlando Magic’s preseason opener against the New Orleans Pelicans, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (KCP) had a performance that left some fans wondering. Was it just preseason rust, or should we be a bit more concerned? Let’s dive into the numbers, context, and potential impact this performance could have on KCP’s season ahead.

The Stats Don’t Lie

KCP finished with 1-for-4 shooting, 0-for-2 from three, and only 2 points in his 17 minutes on the floor. While this might not sound like much, it’s his -15 plus/minus that really stands out. For a player with KCP’s experience, this raises some questions about his form and readiness for the regular season.

KCP’s Role on This Magic Team

Let’s remember why the Magic brought KCP in. He’s a veteran presence, a player with a championship pedigree who’s supposed to provide steady defense, outside shooting, and locker room leadership. Last season with Denver, KCP averaged 11.6 points per game on 41% three-point shooting, playing a key role in their championship run. The Magic were looking to replicate that success by adding a solid 3-and-D wing to their roster.

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Short break to pay the bills

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So, what went wrong in tonight’s game? The lack of three-point shooting, where KCP missed both his attempts, is a concern because the Magic’s system relies heavily on floor spacing. His poor shooting night allowed the Pelicans to clog the paint, making it harder for the Magic’s stars like Paolo Banchero to operate efficiently inside. Without KCP’s three-point shot falling, the offense felt stagnant at times.

Turnovers and Defensive Lapses

While shooting struggles happen to the best of players, it was the lack of overall impact that raised eyebrows. KCP wasn’t very active on the defensive end either. His stat line shows only 1 steal and no blocks, which are uncharacteristic for a player who has made a career out of his defensive tenacity. In fact, the team’s transition defense faltered when he was on the floor, a contributing factor to his -15 plus/minus.

Comparing to His Teammates

To put KCP’s performance in context, let’s compare him to some of his Magic teammates who also had rough games. Jalen Suggs, the starting guard, shot 2-for-7 from the field and committed 5 turnovers, yet managed to finish with a better plus/minus (-5) than KCP. This highlights that Caldwell-Pope’s minutes had a more negative impact overall, whether it was poor shot selection or defensive lapses that led to easy buckets for the Pelicans.

Why This Might Be Concerning

As a veteran and NBA champion, KCP is expected to bring a level of consistency, especially with his three-point shooting. Unfortunately, his performance tonight was far from consistent. When your role is to provide spacing and reliable shooting, an off-night like this can have ripple effects on the offense.

It’s also worth noting that KCP’s minutes overlapped heavily with Zion Williamson, who finished the game with 16 points and 7 rebounds. KCP’s primary role on the defensive end is to be a perimeter stopper, but tonight he struggled to contain Zion’s drives and passes out to the shooters.

It’s Still Preseason: Time to Shake Off the Rust?

Let’s not forget, it’s still early, and KCP isn’t the only one shaking off the rust. Preseason is about getting back into rhythm, and for players like KCP, we’re hoping this was just one of those nights. The real test will be how he bounces back in the next game.

KCP’s poor performance could also be the result of a lack of chemistry with his new teammates. Having spent only one season with the Magic, he’s still learning the tendencies of players like Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Wendell Carter Jr. It’s not uncommon for a veteran to need a few games to find their role in a new system.

Broader Implications for the Magic’s Season

The Orlando Magic are entering the 2024 season with high hopes of making a playoff push, and the addition of veterans like KCP was supposed to help stabilize the team. If KCP struggles, it could affect the team’s ability to compete in the crowded Eastern Conference. With teams like the Celtics, Bucks, and Heat all vying for the top spots, every veteran needs to contribute consistently.

Historical Comparisons

Looking back at KCP’s previous preseason performances, this isn’t the first time he’s had a rough outing. During the 2020 preseason with the Lakers, KCP shot just 33% from the field across four games before bouncing back to be a key contributor during their playoff run. This could be reassuring for Magic fans, as veterans often use the preseason to get back into game shape without focusing too much on individual stats.

What We Want to See Moving Forward

Moving forward, we’d like to see KCP become more active on both ends of the floor. Even if his shot isn’t falling, his defensive presence and ability to force turnovers could still have a positive impact. The Magic need him to be the glue guy on the perimeter, a role he excelled in during his time with the Lakers and Nuggets.

Final Thoughts

While tonight’s performance was underwhelming, there’s no need to hit the panic button yet. KCP has been around the league long enough to know how to bounce back. However, if these shooting struggles continue into the regular season, it might be time to reevaluate his role in the rotation. For now, let’s give him the benefit of the doubt and see how he performs in the next few preseason games.

What do you think? Was this just preseason rust, or should the Magic be concerned about KCP’s form heading into the regular season? Let us know in the comments below!