Following the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, Denver Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth spoke with the media about their selection of DaRon Holmes II.
During the discussion, he was also questioned about the future of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is anticipated to decline his player option for the 2024-25 season and explore unrestricted free agency.
“You have to consider all possibilities, and the nature of free agency means he’s unrestricted,” Booth stated. “We can attempt to re-sign him, but if he chooses to go elsewhere, that’s his decision. We have to be ready for that. We’re prepared to adapt as needed. Historically, successful teams have had to replace key players, whether they’re starters or crucial bench contributors, and still maintain their performance.
It would be great to retain him for continuity, but based on our lineup analysis, Christian Braun ranks highly in net ratings, just like Caldwell-Pope. If Braun steps into the starting lineup, I believe we’ll manage just fine even if Caldwell-Pope doesn’t return.”
In the 2023-24 season, Caldwell-Pope averaged 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game, with shooting percentages of 46.0% from the field, 40.6% from three-point range, and 89.4% from the free-throw line.
The Denver Nuggets, who clinched the 2023 championship by defeating the Miami Heat in five games, were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of this year’s playoffs after a seven-game series.