The Philadelphia 76ers have a star-studded projected starting lineup this coming season, but Dean Wade is one of their players off the bench whom people expect to see some time helping the team close out games with his defensive range and high-impact, low-usage skill set. However, not far behind him as a possible option to finish contests is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, another proven veteran who should be a steady hand for Nick Nurse and his staff.
Caldwell-Pope was a key addition for the 76ers this offseason, coming over after the Grizzlies bought his contract out, thanks to his connection with LeBron James. That being said, his role this coming season could be more prominent than expected, given that he is a battle-tested veteran who has a particular skill set the team needs.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could be an unexpected closer for the 76ers this season
Wade is the flashier signing between him and KCP. He is probably also the safer bet to be the first player off the bench for the 76ers to be a possible part of their closing lineup. The latter, however, should be a good option for the coaches to bolster the team's defense and three-point shooting against teams with smaller and quicker lineups.
Naturally, Nurse will default to his starting unit featuring Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, James, and Joel Embiid to finish out games. However, if defense and three-point shooting are more immediate concerns, he could swap out one of those players for Wade or Caldwell-Pope, the latter being a more sensible choice against opponents with smaller personnel.
KCP, a two-time NBA champion with the Nuggets and the Lakers, has been one of the steadier three-and-D role players in the league for quite some time now. Even better, he has a knack for hitting important shots for his previous ball clubs. Those things make him a tenable option for the coaches, despite their opening group looking to be unalterable as well in terms of also functioning as their closing unit.
Caldwell-Pope will be even more valuable as a more direct option if the 76ers are missing a starter or two due to injuries or load management. Stepping into a larger role should not be an issue for him, having started in nearly 800 games in his career.
The 76ers did well adding proven veterans like KCP this summer. But aside from his name value, his stable play as a low-usage role player and reliability on defense could net him an even larger role for the team this coming season. And as mentioned, closing out games could even be in play for him.
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