Why the Detroit Pistons should pay Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

With the Detroit Pistons being mere spectators in this year’s playoffs, they are approaching a critical off-season. And the most important decision within this offseason is what to do with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was one of the best players for the Detroit Pistons this season. For a full season review see Duncan Smith’s review and grade. There are a few things you can rely on KCP to bring every night and the first of those would be defense. We can also rely on him for energy, hustle and shooting.

KCP is the Pistons’ best perimeter defender. Perimeter defense is required to stop initial penetration of opposing guards, which will allow big men to stay near the rim and defend the rim effectively. When one of a guard is beaten off the dribble, the big man has to step out and cover causing there to be an easy pass to the opposing big man under the rim. With our current line-up KCP gets the toughest perimeter cover and Reggie Jackson is hidden on the weaker guard.

KCP also has developing offense and shooting prowess. Before his shoulder injury in mid-January he was shooting over 40 percent from the three-point line. He’s also shown glimpses of ball handling ability and a willingness to take and make tough and much-needed shots.

Related Story: Breaking down the Pistons salary cap situation

I want to end this article with a comparison, to help demonstrate the improvements KCP has made, and to look ahead at what we can hope and expect from him next season.

Player A:

Year 1 per game averages: 31.2 minutes, 13.9 points, 41 percent field goal, 38.6 percent three-point, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.6 turnovers, 0.9 steals

Year 4 per game averages: 31.1 minutes, 17.4 points, 44.9 percent field goal, 38.7 percent three-point, 3.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2 turnovers, 1 steals

Player B:

Year 1 per game averages: 19.8 minutes, 5.9 points, 39.6 percent field goal, 31.9 percent three-point, 2 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.4 turnovers, 0.9 steals

Year 4 per game averages: 33.3 minutes, 13.8 points, 39.9 percent field goal, 35 percent three-point, 3.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.1 turnovers, 1.2 steals

Player A is a better scorer at this stage and a slightly better shooter, but is more careless with the ball. Whereas Player B is more careful with the ball and a looks to be a better defender. Both players have made improvements but Player B has made more improvements to his game since year 1.

For those wondering Player B is KCP and Player A is Bradley Beal. Beal is earning an average of $25 million a year, which is also roughly the same as what the Detroit Pistons can offer KCP. Bradley Beal is a year ahead of KCP and this season had per game averages of 23.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists. While shooting 48.2 percent from the field, 40.4 percent three-point shooting, and 82.5 percent free throw shooting.

Next: KCP's free agent suitors

If KCP can take the step forward and improvement that Beal did in year 5, then KCP will deserve every cent he will earn, and the Detroit Pistons should have no hesitation in matching whatever offers come his way.