Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is accustomed to playing in important basketball games, as he started on two different title teams over the course of his career.
Last season though, Caldwell-Pope missed out on postseason play as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies and the year before his Orlando Magic played just five playoff games before being eliminated in the first round.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Excited for Next Chapter of Career with Philadelphia 76ers
GettyMEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 07: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of the 2025-2026 Emirates NBA Cup game at FedExForum on November 07, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Wes Hale/Getty Images)
Now, Caldwell-Pope is back on a contending team in the Philadelphia 76ers, and he’s eager to get back to playing “meaningful” ball for a team that will have an opportunity to make some major noise next season.
“Meaningful basketball. I just want to get back to playing meaningful basketball,” Caldwell-Pope said of his initial thoughts on joining the 76ers during a recent episode of his The Dawg Talk Podcast. “Like playing for something, like you’re saying, for another championship.
“I miss that area again, that spotlight, you know, the playoffs, man. Ain’t nothing like it, man. And the competition, like the competitiveness, I just want it. I still got a lot of years in me that I can still go.”
With a stacked starting five that includes LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers should absolutely have an opportunity to play meaningful basketball in the months of April, May and potentially even June next season. If not, something went really wrong in Philadelphia.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Ready to Embrace Bench Role with 76ers
GettyLONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 18: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the NBA Match between Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies at The O2 Arena on January 18, 2026 in London, England. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Given how much talent is on Philadelphia’s roster, Caldwell-Pope is well aware that he’s likely in line for a bench role with the Sixers, and that’s something he’s ready to openly embrace after spending the vast majority of his career as a starter.
“I ain’t got to start. I want to be Sixth Man of the Year anyway. . . . For me, it’s not personal,” Caldwell-Pope said of his role. “I’m going to come and give my team 110 percent. You know KCP, I’m going to do that each and every night. I’m going to be available. . . . Let the young fella (V.J. Edgecombe) start, I want to be sixth man.”
In order for the 76ers to reach their full potential as a team, it’s going to take sacrifice from all parties involved, and Caldwell-Pope appears ready to do just that.
New Addition Excited to Play ‘Meaningful Basketball’ with Philadelphia 76ers