NBA player Kentavious Caldwell-Pope discusses his time with the Detroit Pistons, joining the Los Angeles Lakers, learning from LeBron James and Rajon Rondo, NBA Bubble stories, playing with Nikola Jokic on the Denver Nuggets, new teammates on the Orlando Magic.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope values defensive prowess and a winning mindset with the Orlando Magic.
Focused on exceptional defense, Caldwell-Pope credits college for igniting his defensive skills.
Caldwell-Pope highlights the Orlando Magic's young core players and aims for defensive excellence.
Deep dives
Excitement for Young Team and Defensive Strength
Joining the Orlando Magic, the speaker expresses his excitement to play with a young and hungry group of players who have had a taste of the playoffs, showcasing a winning mindset. He particularly emphasizes the team's strong defensive capabilities and length, setting high expectations for their defensive performance.
Guarding Elite Players and Defensive Finesse
The speaker reflects on his exceptional defensive abilities and experiences guarding elite players like Steph Curry with precision and dedication. He credits a pivotal moment in college for igniting his defensive prowess, leading him to prioritize defense over offense, a mindset that has shaped his successful career.
Season Challenges and Team Adjustments
Recalling the challenges faced during the previous season, the speaker discusses the Orlando Magic's journey to game seven against Cleveland and the subsequent need for improvement to reach the next level. He emphasizes the importance of shooting in the team's strategy for success.
Young Core Potential and Winning Mindset
Examining the team's potential, the speaker highlights the Orlando Magic's young core players, including Paulo, and expresses confidence in their capabilities to make significant contributions. He underlines the team's winning mindset and determination to elevate their performance.
Optimism for Defense and Defensive Skills
As the speaker joins the Orlando Magic, he predicts a strong defensive backcourt partnership with Suggs, aiming for potential All-Defensive Team recognition. He accentuates the team's defensive capabilities and aims to bolster their defensive prowess for impactful gameplay.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope joins the Draymond Green Show from Resorts World in Las Vegas to discuss his early years with the Detroit Pistons, turning down a contract to join the Los Angeles Lakers, learning from LeBron James and Rajon Rondo, and rumors from the NBA Bubble about the Los Angeles Clippers. KCP also breaks down his time with Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, his new teammates on the Orlando Magic, and more.
0:00 Start 2:00 Early years with Pistons 19:00 Joining the Los Angeles Lakers 27:00 NBA Bubble stories 41:00 Comparing Bron and Jokic 53:00 New teammates on Orlando Magic