5. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Usually, when players put up career-high numbers they are rewarded handsomely in free agency. That wasn’t the case for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. After having the most efficient season of his career with a career-high in rebounds, Caldwell-Pope signed another one-year deal with the Lakers.
On paper, Caldwell-Pope is an excellent signing. He fits perfectly alongside LeBron James as a 3-and-D specialist. He is arguably the best defender the Lakers have on the perimeter and knocked down a career-high 38.3 percent of his 3-point attempts last season. It would not be a surprise if that number increases this season.
So why does Caldwell-Pope land on this list? It is because of added competition at his position this season. Josh Hart tore up the Las Vegas Summer League, taking home the MVP award, and has been talked up all offseason.
This isn’t as much an indictment on Caldwell-Pope as it is praise for the work Hart has put in. If Caldwell-Pope wants to hold onto his starting spot, he will have to come into camp prepared and ready to play.
Without legal troubles dogging him, Caldwell-Pope should come into training camp and the early part of the regular season better prepared to perform as he did the second half of the season.