Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been ruled out for the Detroit Pistons against the Utah Jazz and is questionable for the rest of the road trip.
The Detroit Pistons suffered two losses on Thursday night in Oakland, both losing the game to the Golden State Warriors and losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a shoulder injury. He was X-rayed at Oracle Arena and results were negative, but the jury was out on just what the injury was until he received an MRI in Salt Lake City prior to the Pistons meeting with the Utah Jazz.
It looks like the damage is less than it could have been.
KCP suffered a Grade 2 left rotator cuff strain vs. #Warriors. Out tonight vs. #Jazz and doubtful for Sunday game at #Lakers.
— VinceEllis (@AlabamaScribe56) January 13, 2017
Caldwell-Pope will be missed for the next few games until he’s able to return. While he’s made his name as a defensive stopper throughout his career, his offensive skills have jumped to the fore this season and he’s been perhaps the most productive Piston this season.
The Pistons shooting 6/28 from 3 last night shouldn't be a surprise. With KCP off the floor, they shoot 29% from long-range.
— Duncan Smith (@DuncanSmithNBA) January 13, 2017
To say nothing of the fact that the options behind him are tenuous at best. Darrun Hilliard has struggled mightily this season, shooting just 33.3 percent from the floor. He hasn’t been able to make the most of his opportunities in the rotation.
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In KCP’s absence, expect heavy minutes once again from Stanley Johnson. Johnson is more of a small forward than a shooting guard and will be playing out of position, but the Pistons have no other options.