<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-kentavious-caldwell-pope-memphis-isnt-safe');   ga('set', 'title', 'Grizzlies’ Kentavious Caldwell-Pope calls out notion Memphis isn’t ‘safe’');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Grizzlies-guard-Kentavious-Caldwell-Pope-vs-Hornets-in-NBA-Preseason.jpg"><figcaption>Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Grizzlies’ Kentavious Caldwell-Pope calls out notion Memphis isn’t ‘safe’</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-16T09:56:56-07:00">October 16th, 9:56am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-16T09:56:56-07:00">October 16th, 9:56am</time><address><a>Yasmin Edañol</a>Yasmin D.G. Edañol is a PhD candidate in Chemistry at the University of the Philippines Diliman, with a background in scientific research and publishing. He brings a data-driven perspective to sports storytelling as an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints, with a focus on the NBA. Whether it's breaking down a clutch play or a stat line, he believes every great moment has a deeper layer waiting to be uncovered.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Memphis Grizzlies</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Memphis <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-kentavious-caldwell-pope-finding-purpose-year-13">Grizzlies guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is already making headlines</a>, but not just for his play. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-kcp-reaction-to-being-included-in-desmond-bane-trade-grizzlies">The new Grizzlies guard, recently traded from the Orlando Magic</a>, has taken a firm stand against the lingering perception that the city is unsafe. After joining the team this offseason, Caldwell-Pope used his first NBA Preseason appearances and interviews to set the record straight about life in Memphis. His <a href="https://www.hoopshype.com/story/sports/nba/rumors/2025/10/16/kentavious-caldwell-pope-memphis-is-safe-man/86720614007/" rel="noopener">message</a> was clear: the negative talk doesn’t match reality.</p><p>“I mean, Memphis is safe, man,” Kentavious Caldwell-Pope said when asked about his early impressions. “Ever since I got traded, that’s all I was hearing before, but it’s been the total opposite of what I’ve actually experienced.” Caldwell-Pope continued by describing his new lifestyle downtown, one that’s both comfortable and welcoming. “The condo I’m in, it’s nice. It’s one of the newest ones they just built out there. I’m about seven minutes from the arena. I’ve got places I can go out, eat, hang out, it’s cool. It’s real cool.”</p><p>From a team perspective, his comments couldn’t come at a better time. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-news-ja-morant-ankle-injury-2025-26-season">The Grizzlies are trying to reset their culture and energy after a tough year on and off the court</a>. The front office added veterans like Caldwell-Pope to bring poise and leadership to the locker room. His arrival from the Magic injects maturity into a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/ja-morant-bold-predictions-2025-26-grizzlies-season">young core led by Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.</a> Beyond basketball, his remarks also challenge the tired stereotypes outsiders hold about the city and its people.</p><p>On the hardwood, though, the work continues. In their latest NBA Preseason matchup, the Hornets routed the Grizzlies, 145–116. The blowout exposed defensive gaps that Memphis must tighten before the regular season begins. Still, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provides the team with a steadying voice and a belief that growth is possible, both for the Grizzlies and for Memphis itself.</p><p>For the veteran guard, the adjustment goes deeper than basketball. It’s about embracing a new home, connecting with the community, and helping reshape how others see it. For Caldwell-Pope, that sense of belonging might be as meaningful as any win this season.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Grizzlies’ Kentavious Caldwell-Pope calls out notion Memphis isn’t ‘safe’

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-kentavious-caldwell-pope-finding-purpose-year-13');   ga('set', 'title', 'Grizzlies’ Kentavious Caldwell-Pope opens up about finding ‘purpose’ ahead of Year 13');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Morant.jpg"><figcaption>Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK </figcaption></figure><h1>Grizzlies’ Kentavious Caldwell-Pope opens up about finding ‘purpose’ ahead of Year 13</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-07T20:30:54-07:00">October 7th, 8:30pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-07T20:30:54-07:00">October 7th, 8:30pm</time><address><a>Chris Dodson</a>Chris Dodson is a Memphis Grizzlies beat reporter for ClutchPoints who has also covered the New Orleans Pelicans. He has covered Louisiana high school and college basketball in spurts for over a decade. A basketball lifer from the bayou, his gumbo-stirring form matches his elbow jumper celebrations. Fast enough for varsity hoops, tall enough for a soccer scholarship. He has words and will travel, just not on the court.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>For some NBA players, basketball is a job. For a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-kcp-reaction-to-being-included-in-desmond-bane-trade-grizzlies">cool customer like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope</a>, it remains a lifelong love affair that began in childhood and continues to grow stronger with each passing season. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-gloating-newest-wing-insurance-policy">Now suiting up for the Memphis Grizzlies</a>, the two-time NBA champion is bringing more than just pedigree to the locker room. Caldwell-Pope is also bringing an infectious enthusiasm for the game that has defined a highly respected and decorated 12-year career.</p><p>Caldwell-Pope’s journey to the NBA was shaped by the legends he watched growing up. LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Baron Davis weren’t just players flickering across his television screen; they were blueprints for excellence.</p><p>“For me, just being around the game gave me the passion for it,” Caldwell-Pope told ClutchPoints. “Being around the game, growing up watching LeBron, Kobe, Baron Davis. A lot of them guys I grew up watching and kind of idolized. I just looked up to them as far as the effort and how hard they worked in their career. It kind of gave me a little bit of purpose.”</p><p>That sense of purpose translated into action. The work ethic and dedication Caldwell-Pope observed in his heroes became the foundation of how to approach the game.</p><p>“They are some of the reasons I picked up a basketball,” admitted Caldwell-Pope. “I think that goes a long way in me being who I am today.”</p><p>What sets Caldwell-Pope apart is not just that he fell in love with basketball as a child. The differentiator is that the flame has never dimmed. If anything, it burns brighter with experience.</p><p>“That passion for the game, I still have the same passion,” Caldwell-Pope stressed. “I think it grows every year.”</p><p>Such a remarkable statement from a veteran who has already achieved multiple championships, playoff heroics, and financial security. Most players can only dream of checking off those accomplishments; others would rest on their laurels. Yet Caldwell-Pope approaches each season with the wide-eyed enthusiasm of someone discovering the game for the first time.</p><p>Caldwell-Pope’s enthusiasm is boosted by the chance to don some Beale Street Blue this season as well. It is not just about aesthetics though. For the 2011 McDonald’s All-American, putting on any NBA jersey represents a chance to live out a childhood dream every single day.</p><p>“I’m looking forward to them (jerseys),” Caldwell-Pope beamed. “They are bringing back the old threads and the colorways. I’m excited to put it on. I’m excited to have this jersey on right now. For me, just the excitement and the joy that I have being able to put on an (NBA) jersey and go do the thing that I love to do the most.”</p><p>In an era where player movement is constant and loyalty is questioned, Caldwell-Pope’s perspective offers a refreshing reminder of what drew these athletes to basketball in the first place. Before the contracts, the endorsements, and the championships, there was simply a kid, a basketball, and heroes on television showing what was possible.</p><p>That kid is now a mentor himself, bringing championship experience and defensive intensity to a young Grizzlies squad hungry to make noise in the Western Conference. Still, perhaps the most valuable contribution will be demonstrating what it looks like to play with genuine love for the game.</p><p>As Kentavious Caldwell-Pope pulls on the Grizzlies jersey, he’s not just wearing new colors. He is <a href="https://grindcitymedia.com/2025/10/01/kentavious-caldwell-pope-interview-grizzlies-training-camp" rel="noopener">honoring the legacy</a> of the players who inspired him, continuing his own journey, and showing the next generation what it truly means to love the game of basketball.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Grizzlies’ Kentavious Caldwell-Pope opens up about finding ‘purpose’ ahead of Year 13

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-paolo-banchero-gets-nsfw-endorsement-kentavious-caldwell-pope');   ga('set', 'title', 'Magic’s Paolo Banchero gets NSFW endorsement from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Paolo-Banchero-5-dunks-the-ball-as-Washington-Wizards-forward-Justin-Champagnie-9-defends.jpg"><figcaption>© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Magic’s Paolo Banchero gets NSFW endorsement from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-05-23T12:40:31-07:00">May 23rd, 12:40pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-05-23T12:40:31-07:00">May 23rd, 12:40pm</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has received high praise from many across the NBA, but veteran teammate Kentavious Caldwell-Pope offered one of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNd2TjFhfwA" rel="noopener">most emphatic endorsements</a> yet — with an NSFW twist.</p><p>During a recent appearance on Above The Rim with DH12, the podcast hosted by newly inducted Hall of Famer Dwight Howard, Caldwell-Pope opened up about his first season in Orlando and praised Banchero’s maturity, basketball IQ, and skill level.</p><p>“He’s a smart young kid,” Caldwell-Pope said. “I was surprised like how he think the game, how it slows down for him… Me coming over there and being a vet for him, I just talked more about what do you see. And he was able to break that down — it was easy for me to help him out.”</p><p>The two-time NBA champion continued with detailed insight into his on-court conversations with the 22-year-old forward, explaining how Banchero’s court vision and offensive versatility make him a unique talent to play alongside.</p><p>“I always tell him, you see a pass, make a pass, because they [are] going to double you every time,” Caldwell-Pope said. “What you’re going to be great at is screening, rolling, getting in that pocket — his mid-range is f**king killer — or when you’re in the post, face up, see what they give you. And him being mentally strong like that, his game just took off.”</p><h2><b>Paolo Banchero’s postseason leap and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s leadership fuel Magic’s rising expectations</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Paolo-Banchero-5-congratulates-guard-Kentavious-Caldwell-Pope-3-after-a-play.jpg"><figcaption>© Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-paolo-banchero-trolls-espn-over-old-ranking">Banchero delivered a strong third season for Orlando</a> despite being limited to 46 games due to a torn oblique in the first half of the year. He averaged 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 32 percent from three.</p><p>The former No. 1 overall pick elevated his game even further in the postseason. During Orlando’s five-game series against the Boston Celtics, Banchero averaged 29.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 43.5 percent from the field and an impressive 44.4 percent from beyond the arc.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-kentavious-caldwell-pope-leaving-nuggets-for-orlando">Caldwell-Pope, who signed with the Magic last offseason</a> on a three-year, $66 million deal, was brought in to add veteran leadership and championship experience to a young roster led by Banchero and Franz Wagner. While his individual production dipped in 2024–25, Caldwell-Pope remained a respected voice in the locker room and offered a steady defensive presence throughout the year.</p><p>The Magic concluded the regular season with a 41–41 record, capturing their second consecutive Southeast Division title and playoff appearance before <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-paolo-banchero-backs-orlando-win-now-focus-and-embraces-rising-pressure-after-playoff-exit">falling to the Celtics in the first round</a>. With the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-orlando-president-drops-win-now-truth-bomb-future">front office signaling a “win-now” approach this offseason</a>, Banchero’s continued development — especially under the guidance of veterans like Caldwell-Pope — remains central to Orlando’s trajectory.</p><p>As the franchise looks to take the next step, Banchero’s blend of size, skill, and poise at such a young age has made him the unquestioned cornerstone of the Magic’s future. And with Caldwell-Pope giving him high marks — mid-range and all — the expectations heading into Year 4 are only growing louder.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Magic’s Paolo Banchero gets NSFW endorsement from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-kentavious-caldwell-pope-compares-orlando-championship-desire-to-thunder');   ga('set', 'title', 'Kentavious Caldwell-Pope compares Magic’s championship desire to Thunder');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kentavious-Caldwell-Pope-3-gestures-after-making-a-three-point-shot.jpg"><figcaption>© Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Kentavious Caldwell-Pope compares Magic’s championship desire to Thunder</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-05-23T11:58:26-07:00">May 23rd, 11:58am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-05-23T13:09:36-07:00">May 23rd, 1:09pm</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope believes the Orlando Magic have the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNd2TjFhfwA" rel="noopener">foundation and mindset</a> needed to contend for a championship — and he’s made it clear that bringing a title to Central Florida is at the top of his list.</p><p>Speaking on the latest episode of Above the Rim with DH12, hosted by <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/nba-news-dwight-howard-elected-first-ballot-member-2025-naismith-basketball-hof-class">recently elected Hall of Famer Dwight Howard</a>, Caldwell-Pope reflected on his goals with the Magic and compared Orlando’s trajectory to that of the Oklahoma City Thunder — a team currently in the Western Conference Finals.</p><p>“I want to do something that you had the opportunity to do and it should’ve happened, but I want to bring one to Orlando,” Caldwell-Pope said, referencing Howard’s near-title run with the Magic in 2009.</p><p>Caldwell-Pope, 32, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-kentavious-caldwell-pope-leaving-nuggets-for-orlando">joined Orlando ahead of the 2024–25 season, signing a three-year, $66 million deal</a> to provide championship experience and defensive leadership to a young Magic core. The two-time NBA champion had previously played key roles with the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers during their respective title runs. However, his first season in Orlando was marred by injuries across the roster.</p><p>The Magic were forced to navigate extended absences from key players, including Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Moritz Wagner — the latter two suffering season-ending injuries. Despite those setbacks, Orlando finished 41–41, won the Southeast Division for the second straight season, and made the playoffs for the second consecutive year before <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-paolo-banchero-backs-orlando-win-now-focus-and-embraces-rising-pressure-after-playoff-exit">falling to the Boston Celtics in five games</a>.</p><h2><b>Kentavious Caldwell-Pope draws parallels between Magic and Thunder</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kentavious-Caldwell-Pope-3-embraces-Orlando-Magic-guard-Jalen-Suggs-4-after-scoring.jpg"><figcaption>© John Jones-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Caldwell-Pope struggled to find a consistent rhythm in his new role, averaging 8.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 43.9 percent from the field and 34.2 percent from beyond the arc. Still, his experience and leadership remained valuable for a team focused on internal growth and postseason development.</p><p>On the podcast, Howard jokingly remarked, “Boy, if you bring a chip to Orlando, they will give you one of those Iverson statues.”</p><p>Caldwell-Pope smiled before explaining that helping build something meaningful in Orlando was a key factor in his free-agency decision. He referenced the Oklahoma City Thunder — a fellow young and ascending team — currently <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/oklahoma-city-thunder/thunder-news-mark-daigneault-issues-subtle-timberwolves-warning">leading the Timberwolves 2–0 in the Western Conference Finals</a>.</p><p>“That was like my reasoning for coming to this team,” he said. “They [are] young, they scrappy, they’re ready. If we all can just put it together.”</p><p>In addition to offering a championship perspective, Caldwell-Pope said he aims to help younger teammates remain focused on long-term development and opportunity.</p><p>“The young guys that we have, man, they [are] really good,” he said. “It’s just like I always tell them, don’t get mad, man, it’s an opportunity, you gotta wait on it. They don’t see the vision right now… relax, because the more you pout, that’s how you get up out of there.”</p><p>As Orlando prepares for an offseason that <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-orlando-president-drops-win-now-truth-bomb-future">front office leadership has labeled as a shift to “win-now,”</a> Caldwell-Pope’s veteran presence will remain a central part of that effort, both on the court and in the locker room.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope compares Magic’s championship desire to Thunder

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-kentavious-caldwell-pope-aggressive-mindset-amid-0-2-hole-vs-celtics');   ga('set', 'title', 'Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s aggressive mindset amid Magic’s 0-2 hole vs. Celtics');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kentavious-Caldwell-Pope-shoots-in-the-first-quarter-against-the-Cleveland-Cavaliers.jpg"><figcaption>© David Richard-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s aggressive mindset amid Magic’s 0-2 hole vs. Celtics</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-04-25T12:01:00-07:00">April 25th, 12:01pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-04-25T12:01:00-07:00">April 25th, 12:01pm</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Boston Celtics</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>As the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-paolo-banchero-jamahl-mosley-send-message-to-refs-after-game-2-loss">Orlando Magic prepare to host the Boston Celtics for a critical Game 3</a>, veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is maintaining an aggressive mindset despite his shooting struggles and recent controversy. With the team facing a 0-2 deficit in their first-round playoff series, Caldwell-Pope addressed his approach and the adjustments he believes are necessary as the Magic fight to stay alive.</p><p>Caldwell-Pope, who signed with Orlando last offseason to provide championship experience and perimeter defense, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-stars-urge-trust-in-66-million-veteran-amid-brutal-playoff-slump">has had a difficult start to the series offensively</a>. In Game 2, he finished with just three points and four rebounds while shooting 1-for-9 from the field and 0-for-6 from beyond the arc. Through two games, he’s averaging 4.5 points, four rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, shooting 21.4% from the field and 20% from three-point range.</p><h2><b>Kentavious Caldwell-Pope remains confident amid shooting woes, unfazed by Celtics crowd</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kentavious-Caldwell-Pope-3-controls-the-ball-against-the-Atlanta-Hawks.jpg"><figcaption>© Dale Zanine-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Despite the shooting slump, Caldwell-Pope expressed confidence in his shot selection during Friday’s shootaround. Speaking to Sports Illustrated’s Mason Williams, he remained focused on continuing to take open looks.</p><p>“Great. They were great shots. Most of them I was open, some was contested, they just didn’t go down,” Caldwell-Pope said. “You know, I’m going to continue to shoot the ball at a high clip, especially when I’m open, and just continue to make the right play.”</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Caldwell-Pope asked by <a href="https://twitter.com/therealBeede?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@therealBeede</a> what he made of his shot selection in Game 2: “Great. They were great shots. Most of them I was open, some were contested, they just didn’t go down. I’m going to continue to shoot the ball at the high clip, especially when I’m open, and just… <a href="https://t.co/DwtvubWYgD">https://t.co/DwtvubWYgD</a> <a href="https://t.co/WOLqzN1sti">pic.twitter.com/WOLqzN1sti</a></p><p>— Mason Williams (@mvsonwilliams) <a href="https://twitter.com/mvsonwilliams/status/1915790496284250246?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><p>Beyond his shooting, Caldwell-Pope has found himself at the center of postgame narratives for other reasons. In <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-kentavious-caldwell-pope-accused-again-by-al-horford-for-dirty-play">Game 2, a collision with Al Horford sparked another wave of criticism</a> from the Celtics veteran, who had already <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-cole-anthony-fires-back-at-al-horford-over-jayson-tatum-injury-comments">accused Caldwell-Pope of dirty play following a flagrant 1 foul in Game 1 that resulted in a wrist injury to Jayson Tatum</a>. The Boston crowd booed Caldwell-Pope loudly throughout the night.</p><p>“I’ve had that before. Getting a little boos, I must be doing something right,” he <a href="https://x.com/therealBeede/status/1915794894527906095" rel="noopener">said</a>. “It was fun, a little bit more energy for me. I wish I had knocked down some shots, would’ve been a lot better. But I try to do everything possible to try to get the win for my team. If I’m not making shots, I do defend at a high level and that’s what all the focus was on.”</p><h2><b>KCP stresses urgency as third-quarter issues continue to haunt Magic</b></h2><p>Caldwell-Pope also emphasized the importance of correcting Orlando’s third-quarter struggles, which have plagued the team both during the regular season and now in the postseason. The Magic have <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/traditional?Period=3&amp;Season=2024-25&amp;SeasonType=Playoffs&amp;dir=D&amp;sort=PTS" rel="noopener">averaged</a> just 21 points in the third quarter against Boston, ranking last among all playoff teams. They’re shooting 41.5% from the field and just 23.1% from three in that stretch. Defensively, they’ve allowed the Celtics to score 30.5 third-quarter points on 48.9% shooting, including 40.9% from deep.</p><p>“It’s been a problem for us all season,” Caldwell-Pope said. “That’s one thing we truly have to fix, especially right now in these playoffs. We’ve got to come out with a little bit more focus, get out of the locker room, wrap up the film early, get shots up, go through things we reviewed in the locker room with one of the coaches—whatever it may be.”</p><p>Still, he remains confident the Magic can respond with urgency.</p><p>“Starting the third quarter is big in the playoffs,” he added. “For us, we come out a little bit slower than normal and then it picks back up. We’ve got to come out and start the third quarter how we start the games.”</p><p>Game 3 between the Magic and Celtics tips off Friday night at 7:00 p.m. ET at the KIA Center, airing on ESPN.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

2025-26 SEASON STATS
PTS	REB	AST	BLK	STL
9.8	3.3	4.5	0.3	0.8

2025-26 SEASON STATS
PTS	REB	AST	BLK	STL
9.8	3.3	4.5	0.3	0.8

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

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Kentavious Caldwell-Pope compares Magic’s championship desire to Thunder

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s aggressive mindset amid Magic’s 0-2 hole vs. Celtics

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