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Grizzlies Offseason Addition Brings Championship Pedigree

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Josh Greer | Last updated Sep 25, 2025 9:04 AM ET

This offseason, the Memphis Grizzlies acquired Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a 32-year-old shooting guard with two NBA championship rings. While his offensive numbers dipped in his brief stint with the Orlando Magic, Caldwell-Pope adds value to the team. The Grizzlies brought him in to lead, a role that may prove just as valuable as any scoring average.

The 12-year veteran has never been in this position before. However, he was an integral piece of the Los Angeles Lakers’ title run in 2020 and a starter on the Denver Nuggets’ championship squad in 2023. Now, he joins a Memphis team brimming with young talent but still searching for the balance of maturity and experience that often separates playoff contenders from champions.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Brings Championship Pedigree To Grizzlies

The Missing Link

For the Grizzlies, Caldwell-Pope’s acquisition was about more than adding depth at shooting guard. A proven winner, he understands what it takes to navigate the grind of an NBA season and deliver under postseason pressure. Thus, his championship experience provides something intangible – the confidence to lead by example and through accountability.

Keeping that in perspective, Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are the cornerstones of Memphis’ future. Yet, they’re still young (both are 26 years old) and learning what it takes to win in June. Furthermore, though Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo had plenty of success coaching abroad, Caldwell-Pope offers a player-driven voice of authority in the locker room. He’s seen the highs of raising the Larry O’Brien Trophy and the lows of battling through underwhelming seasons.

Taken altogether, his perspective could be the missing link for a franchise looking to take the next step.

Every Possession Matters

Caldwell-Pope has built his career on strong perimeter defense and timely shooting. Even last season, when he struggled to find a consistent rhythm, he remained a steady defender capable of guarding multiple positions. In Memphis, his ability to disrupt opposing guards and wings will fit seamlessly into a defensive scheme anchored by Jackson Jr., one of the league’s premier rim protectors.

Apr 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes up for a basket as Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) defends in the fourth quarter during game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

His minutes have not yet been determined, but his role is clear: bring defensive intensity, stretch the floor when needed, and steady the game’s pace when the Grizzlies’ youth shows inexperience. With Morant and Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies don’t need him to average 20 points a night. They need him to make the crucial stop, hit the timely corner three, and remind younger teammates that every possession matters.

Leading Beyond Stat Sheet

At this point of his career, Caldwell-Pope understands his value extends far beyond his personal stat line.

The Grizzlies are betting that his leadership will show up in the habits and growth of their younger stars. Leadership in the NBA is not always about being the loudest voice. Oftentimes it’s about preparation, accountability, and setting an example when the lights are not on. Given that, his professionalism and poise are essential for a Grizzlies roster that has at times struggled with maturity.

It doesn’t hurt that Caldwell-Pope brings the credibility of someone who has already done what every player in Memphis’ locker room dreams of doing: winning a championship.

Stability Not Nostalgia

The Grizzlies didn’t acquire Caldwell-Pope out of nostalgia for his Lakers or Nuggets days. They need what he can still bring to the floor and, more importantly, to the locker room.

Again, Memphis doesn’t just need points. They need stability. They need someone who can show a burgeoning team how to channel their undeniably talent into championships. In KCP, they’ve found exactly what they were looking for. Now it’s time to see if the Grizzlies will soon be writing their own championship chapter.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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