1 question for every Nuggets starter as the playoffs and offseason approach
By Ben Handler
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: Is this your last run in a Nuggets uniform?
There really aren’t too many questions to ask of KCP on the court, as he’s about as solid as they come. We know that we will get reliable shooting, ballhandling, and secondary creation on offense, mixed with excellent defense and taking on the role of guarding the opponent’s best perimeter player.
Caldwell-Pope is exactly the type of veteran role player that every championship needs and his impact on this Nuggets team has been immeasurable. It’s no coincidence that he helped the Lakers win a title and the team floundered once he left.
If anything, the issue has been that KCP has been too good. He’s almost certain to decline his player option this offseason and become a free agent. His performance has warranted a nice pay raise, and seeing as he’s 31 years old, he’ll likely be looking to cash in on one more big contract.
He’ll be a hot commodity on a depleted free agent market, and teams with hopes of contending would love to get a proven winner like KCP on board. The Nuggets are likely going to have to pay handsomely to keep Caldwell-Pope in Denver. There is a scenario where the team’s best offer simply isn’t enough.
They are already paying big money to Jokic and Porter Jr., and Murray and Gordon have big paydays coming up soon. Sadly, Caldwell-Pope may be this summer’s, Bruce Brown. If this is his final run with the team, let’s make sure it results in another title and we can send him out with a bang.