The Detroit Pistons were eliminated from the Eastern Conference Playoffs by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 4 games, but make no mistake, every game was hard-fought and close, serving as a testament to the bright future for the Pistons. A vital part in the cogs that keep the Pistons moving is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The 2nd year player showed another big jump this season in improvement and is expected to improve even more come this offseason.
After their elimination, Caldwell-Pope spoke with the USA Today, about this next offseason and what it means to him. (Detroit Free Press):
Caldwell-Pope said he will take about a month off to heal up a core muscle strain he suffered in February and that he said he still feels.
“So I’m just going to try to sit it out and try to get rehab and try to get that back where I need it to be,” he said.
“I wanted to gain weight this season but couldn’t maintain it with all the training and just practices,” Caldwell-Pope said. “I just couldn’t maintain it. So this summer is all about just getting stronger and just putting on a little more weight and try to maintain that weight.
“Put on about 10 more pounds, that’d be good for me and the development of my game.”
The Pistons will be looking to extend Caldwell-Pope’s contract this summer, but from what Caldwell-Pope has mentioned already since being eliminated, contracts aren’t really what he is focused on. When asked about what his decision would be in terms of an extension, Caldwell-Pope mentioned he isn’t paying any attention.
“Yeah, I mean, why do it now? It’s not in my mind. I mean, it could happen. If it does happen, it happens. But right now I’m going to stay focused and get better,” Caldwell-Pope said.
Caldwell-Pope’s agent is Rich Paul, who will handle any talks.
“Right now, I’m just going to let my agent handle all that,” Caldwell-Pope said. “If you have any questions about that, I really can’t answer them. I let my agent answer for me. I don’t know. We haven’t really talked about it.”
Caldwell-Pope will be getting paid $3.7 million regardless next year, but if he decides to not extend his contract, he’ll be a restricted free agent in the 2017. If he were to sign an offer sheet from another team next year, he could be up for a big pay raise, forcing the Pistons to pay up. Caldwell-Pope was a key player in keeping the Pistons competitive against the Cavaliers, averaging 15.3 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and almost 2 steals a game. Pope has what it takes to become a legitimate offensive and defensive force in the NBA, fitting the persona of a 3 & D player. If I were Stan Van Gundy, I would be happy with my core of Drummond, Jackson, Harris and Caldwell-Pope. They’ve started off on the right foot, and if they can keep their core together and grow, maybe we will see the Pistons in the Playoffs more often.
