Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (30) welcomes the Los Angeles Lakers (hereafter referred to as the Lakers).
Caldwell-Pope attended an interview with the media after team practice on the morning of the 16th (Korean time).
Caldwell-Pope, 스포츠토토who asked how it felt to make it to the conference finals, laughed and said, “What was surprising was that the four teams (Lakers-Denver-Boston-Miami) from the conference finals of the bubble season made it to the conference finals again.”
Then, while Caldwell-Pope was about to answer, DeAndre Jordan told him, “I know you won the Finals with the Lakers. How do you feel?” he asked. In response, Caldwell-Pope predicted a tough series, saying, “There is a home code advantage, but it will be a tough Game 7 series,” and “Denver has to overcome them to win.”
In the 2019-20 season, Caldwell-Pope threw an open three-point shot while taking responsibility for the Lakers’ advanced defense, and had a good effect on team chemistry. Because of these advantages, he was able to win a championship ring.
Caldwell-Pope, who looked back on the season, said, “After winning the finals, we had the opportunity to spend time with our families with all the players to celebrate the victory.” It was a lot, but I did my best and I enjoyed it,” he recalled.
After four seasons with the Lakers, Caldwell-Pope joined the Washington Wizards in exchange for the Russell Westbrook trade after the 2020-21 season. After that, he changed his uniform from Washington to the Denver Nuggets in July of last year.
Caldwell-Pope, who was responsible for the Lakers’ forward defense, is doing the same in Denver. In the playoffs this season, he averaged 10.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 47.7% field shooting success rate, 39.1% 3-point success rate, and 88.9% free throw success rate.
In particular, in Game 6 of the conference semifinals against Phoenix, Caldwell-Pope broke the playoff career high with 21 points. He also gained efficiency with 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and a field goal success rate of 63.6% (7/11) and a 3-point success rate of 40% (2/5).
Meanwhile, Lakers coach Davin Hamm said, “He’s a versatile defender. He’s very fast, he can score points, compete for loose balls, hustle plays such as long rebounds and deflections, and above all, he has winning DNA.” Denver named him the second most cautious player after Jokic.