In this new series, Sixers Wire looks at the 16 players, per Spotrac, that comprise the Philadelphia 76ers roster — 14 under standard contracts and the two players on two-way deals — and gives each three goals for the 2026-27 season.
The new season begins on Oct. 20, and training camp is right around the corner. Now is the time to begin previewing the new season of adventure that is Sixers
basketball.Up next in this series is veteran addition Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The Sixers signed the 13-year man, and 2-time champion, out of Georgia to a deal shortly after landing LeBron James and KCP is expected to bring a lot of experience and shooting to this bench unit. He averaged 8.4 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.5 rebounds for the Memphis Grizzlies in 2025-26.
For Caldwell-Pope, his three goals are as follows:
Stabilize the second unit
Caldwell-Pope has been around and seen a lot in this league. The veteran won titles with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 and the Denver Nuggets in 2023 so he knows what it takes. He knows there will be ups and downs throughout the season, and while the Sixers have plenty of veterans they can turn to in those down moments, Caldwell-Pope has to be the one to settle down a second unit full of younger players. He is somebody who can do a number of different things whether it's a hustle play, knocking down the 3-pointer, or making plays for others. His voice and productivity will be important in the coming season.
Recapture the 3-point shot
Speaking of that 3-pointer, KCP's percentages haven't been great in his previous two seasons. After shooting 40.6% from deep for the Nuggets in 2023-24, that percentage dropped to 34.2% with the Orlando Magic in 2024-25, and then down to 31.6% for the Grizzlies in 2025-26. Granted, the situations with the Magic and Grizzlies were tough as he played for a team that didn't have the shooters and playmakers he played with in Denver, and he could find that touch again in Philadelphia when considering the talent around him now. His 3s will be essential for Philadelphia's success.
Set the tone defensively
Another big aspect Caldwell-Pope brings to the table is his defensive ability. He is someone who really digs in and gets after it on that end of the floor and the Sixers could really use somebody who can step in and produce on both ends of the floor. If Philadelphia can get some legitimate 3-and-D play out of Caldwell-Pope, then the second unit becomes one of the better ones in the league. He is somebody who can adequately defend his man on the perimeter while also being able to switch onto a bigger player if needed.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers 3 goals: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope needs to spark the bench unit
