Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (PG/SG, LAL): Week 16 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-Team Leagues

ROSTERED IN: 9% of leagues

ANALYSIS: I bet you won't believe what I'm about to write: KCP was the eight-overall pick from the 2013 draft. For real, folks. The Pistons picked KCP back then above the likes of CJ McCollum, Steven Adams, and a certain Giannis Antetokounmpo. Damn. The thing is, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is still just 27 years old yet everybody has this image of the über-veteran holding the Lakers together, even more now that LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been out--and will remain there--for a while.

KCP isn't an otherworldly talent, nor the Lakers savior, but given the current status of this franchise (I mean, they have just added Ben McLemore to the fold...) odds are he is one of, if not the, best players available on a nightly basis, which will stay the same for one or two weeks still at the very least. See, KCP has started all 48 games he's played this season, and that will keep happening ROS. Kentavious' heavy minutes (27 MPG on the season up to 30 MPG since LBJ got injured) and low usage rates are killing his per-minute efficiency, as it was to be expected, but KCP is also getting bulky counting stats nightly.

Caldwell-Pope is averaging a 10-3-2 line since he's on the court without LeBron James (Mar. 20) in the 10 games he's played through Friday. Although KCP is far from the greatest shooter ever (36 percent FG%) in that span, the truth is that he's on the court to hit his spot-up treys and he's hitting 2+ per game. It is hard to know if Friday was a fluke (39 minutes, 20 FGA, 28-4-1 line), but there is nothing too crazy about KCP logging those minutes and opportunities with the lack of warm bodies around L.A. these days. If only for a couple of weeks, make sure to get yourself some KCP shares.

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