Detroit Pistons: Quarterly Season Review
Shooting Guards
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has received the most playing time at the shooting guard position out of any player on the Pistons. An early injury to Jodie Meeks is expected to keep him out until the All-Star break, according to the Detroit Free Press. Meeks injury has caused several player to play the shooting guard position, which isn’t their natural fit.
Caldwell-Pope, 22, has been relied on for his great defensive skills early this season. He ranks 15th in steals per game with 1.80. KCP has 1.2 defensive win shares through his first 25 games this season. He also has a 1.3 DBPM.
KCP is the best perimeter defender that the Pistons have to offer. He is typically matched up against opposing team’s best perimeter players and scorers. He is credited with having the best defense against the league’s clear MVP, Stephen Curry.
That's a big 6th on Bradley. Done a great job on Curry this game. 2nd to KCP in guarding Curry this season
— Ethan Strauss (@SherwoodStrauss) December 12, 2015
Caldwell-Pope’s offense has been good this season, too. He is producing at the same rate he did last season. In fact, the numbers are eerily similar. The two major differences in KCP’s game is his three-point percentage and his free-throw percentage.
He has seen a decrease in his three-point percentage. In 2015 he is shooting 28.9 percent, which is down from the 34.5 percent he shot form behind the three-point line in 2014. At the free-throw line, he is much improved. This season he is shooting 82.4 percent, which is up from the 69.6 percent he shot on free-throws last season.
It’s hard to judge the entire shooting guard position for the Pistons because Caldwell-Pope is really the only true shooting guard. Meeks will provide a lift when he is at full strength and able to contribute. Until then, players will play out of position and KCP will be playing a lot of minutes.
Shooting Guard Grade: B
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