Theoretically bolstering their biggest strength and addressing last season’s biggest weakness in a single signing, the Orlando Magic’s acquisition of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope quietly confirmed their intent on reaching for the next rung on the Eastern Conference’s ladder. Making an early impression on his new fanbase with a well-timed reach of his own, Caldwell-Pope showcases first connectedness in seamlessly switching with his All-Defensive teammate to stonewall Terry Rozier’s full-head-of-steam drive. Holding his own against one of the NBA’s better year-by-year scorers, Caldwell-Pope negates the powerful take entirely, using a spiked swipe to push the Magic out in transition. The prototypical 3-and-D aspect wasn’t quite there during Caldwell-Pope’s debut in the blue-and-black, yet Caldwell nonetheless put on a demonstration in how to impact the game elsewhere during a 19-point win over the Miami Heat on October 23, 2024. All told, Caldwell-Pope’s contributions saw a +24 plus-minus in 25 minutes, alongside three points, one rebound, two assists, one steal, and two blocks. · Oct 23, 2024