The Sixer Sense
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Sixers: Top 5 free agents in the Pacific Division

By Christopher Kline

OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 14: the Los Angeles Lakers exchange high fives during the game against the Golden State Warriors on March 14, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 14: the Los Angeles Lakers exchange high fives during the game against the Golden State Warriors on March 14, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

As the Philadelphia 76ers’ free agency period edges closer, let’s break down the best free agents in the Pacific Division.

Free agency kicks off on July 1, with LeBron James and Paul George headlining a talented group of available players. The Philadelphia 76ers, while not favorites, will almost certainly be pushing for the chance to sign star-caliber pieces. A Kawhi Leonard trade remains firmly on the table, to boot.

As that day edges closer, we’ll be breaking down the best available free agents in every division across the league. Let’s dive into the Pacific Division, where Golden State reigns supreme and the Lakers are trying to catch up.

No. 5: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Los Angeles Lakers

The 2017-18 campaign was an interesting one for Caldwell-Pope, who at one point wasn’t allowed out of the state due to legal issues. Coming off a one-year deal in L.A., he’ll now take another crack at the open market.

Strengths

At 25 years old, Caldwell-Pope still has plenty of room to grow as a player. He is far from perfect, but still has value as a wing who can score in bunches and defend. In his lone season with the Lakers, the former UGA attendee shot a career-high 38.5 percent on 5.6 three-point attempts per game.

While not an advanced playmaker, Caldwell-Pope can score off the bounce at all three levels. He’s also a proficient spot-up threat, boasting smooth mechanics and the ability to hit tough shots in tight spaces. In the right system, he should keep his three-point percentages above the league average mark.

At 6-foot-5, Caldwell-Pope can defend both guard spots. He has quick hands as well, averaging 1.4 steals per game last season. In a wing-driven league, Caldwell-Pope cracks this list for obvious reasons.

Weaknesses

At this point, Caldwell-Pope’s biggest concern is his approach to the game. He can take bad shots and doesn’t always play within the system, something that might turn off certain teams. That’s the primary reason for his poor efficiency over the years.

Fit

If the Sixers strike out on LeBron, they’ll likely look for short-term contracts to hold them over until next summer. Caldwell-Pope might be looking for long-term money, but another sizable one-year contract could be enough to change his mind.

The Sixers would need to get Caldwell-Pope to buy into their system, but another plus shooter who can create off the bounce obviously has value. He’s another solid perimeter defender next to Ben Simmons and Robert Covington as well.