KCP: Sixers' success hinges on chemistry, players 'liking each other'

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  Kris RhimOct 12, 2026, 03:06 PM ET

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  Kris Rhim is a reporter for NFL Nation at ESPN. Kris covers the Los Angeles Chargers, including coach Jim Harbaugh's franchise-altering first season. In Kris' free time, he lives his NBA dreams at men's leagues across Los Angeles.

CAMDEN, N.J. -- On a team loaded with star power and championship expectations, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope said the Philadelphia 76ers' success this season depends on how well their diverse personalities mesh.

"Our chemistry is gonna be the biggest part for us," Caldwell-Pope said Monday. "Us liking each other, being able to be around each other and have fun on and off the court."

After agreeing to a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies in July, Caldwell-Pope signed a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the Sixers.

Caldwell-Pope, 33, has perhaps the best perspective on meshing personalities on a new team aiming for championship contention, especially one with LeBron James. He's won two championships in his career, one with the James-led Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 and another with the Denver Nuggets in 2023.

The veteran said that the bonding process has already begun in earnest with dinners that will ramp up as the season goes on.

"We have so much talent from one through 12, or 15, however many guys we've got, and it's talent everywhere," he said. "So, I think our biggest thing is just communicating with each other, learning each other's tendencies, and just trying to implement that on and off the court."

Caldwell-Pope is entering his 14th season in the NBA. Over his near decade-and-a-half in the league, he's established himself as one of its best 3-and-D players. He'll look to continue that role in Philadelphia as the Sixers contend for a title, but he is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career.

Caldwell-Pope underwent surgery to address a misalignment of his right pinkie finger in February and missed the last 31 games of the season. Before the injury, he averaged 8.4 points, 2.7 assists and 2.5 rebounds over 21.3 minutes in 51 games for the Grizzlies, his fewest minutes and points per game since his rookie year. His 31.6% from 3-point range last year was the second-lowest of his career.