PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers will, obviously, lean on their star power of LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe to get the job done, but the bench unit absolutely has to step in and give the Sixers the lift they're looking for.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope did just that in Saturday's 127-116 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. He hopped off the bench and poured in 12 points by knocking down four big 3-pointers. He also came up with three steals, battled through bumps and bruises, was tough on both ends, and stabilized the team's second unit.
"He's been great," said Joel Embiid. "All three games since he's been here. Obviously, big shot at the end, but not only the shot, but what he's been bringing defensively,
guarding, and yeah, his veteran leadership. He's been great."
Now officially in his 14th year in the league, Caldwell-Pope has had a lot of success in the league as he has been a positive contributor everywhere he's been and has won two championships. He knows what it takes to get the job done in this league and will be looking to continue helping this Sixers team.
"I played against KCP for a while now on different teams, different uniforms," added Jaylen Brown. "Same guy, 3-and-D brings a lot of heart and soul to the team. Big time player on both ends of the court."
With all of the knowledge and the production Caldwell-Pope can give this group, it's important for him to make sure the second unit is ready to go. In the past, the second unit has had its ups and downs. Having somebody like KCP has proven to be a big help due to his work on both ends of the floor. He has been terrific in terms of his defense and giving Philadelphia a little bit of everything.
"Huge," Tyrese Maxey added of his veteran teammate. "We’re gonna need him, and I think he’s asserted himself as a key role player for us early on, and that’s good."
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Multiple Sixers give thoughts on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope after win
