Season-ending surgery sidelines Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Another blow for injury-ravaged Grizzlies, impacting their rotation and future outlook.
The Memphis Grizzlies have officially ruled out veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for the remainder of the season after he underwent surgery to correct a misalignment in his right pinky finger.
Memphis initially announced earlier this week that Caldwell-Pope would require a procedure, with a recovery timeline to be determined afterward. Following the successful surgery, the organization confirmed that the 33-year-old will not return this season.
However, team officials indicated that he is expected to make a full recovery in time for the start of the 2026–27 campaign.
While Caldwell-Pope was not the focal point of the Grizzlies’ offense, his absence represents another blow to a roster that has been battered by injuries all year. Memphis has struggled to maintain continuity, and losing an experienced two-way wing further thins the rotation during a critical stretch of the schedule.
The veteran shooting guard appeared in 51 games this season, making 14 starts before being moved to a bench role as the coaching staff prioritized developmental minutes for rookie Cedric Coward. In 21.3 minutes per game, he averaged a career-low 8.4 points along with 2.7 assists and 2.5 rebounds.
More concerning than the scoring dip was his efficiency. Once regarded as a reliable floor spacer and perimeter defender, Caldwell-Pope shot 41 percent from the field and a career-low 31.6 percent from three-point range. It marked the second consecutive season of offensive regression, raising questions about his long-term role in a league that increasingly values wing shooting.
However, the 2013 NBA draft arrived in Memphis following an uneven stint with the Orlando Magic, as part of the Desmond Bane trade. The hope was that a fresh opportunity would spark a bounce-back campaign in his 13th NBA season. Instead, his role diminished as the year progressed, and his production failed to stabilize.
The injury now only adds uncertainty to his future. The Georgia-born star holds a $21.6 million player option for next season. Given his recent performance, that figure likely exceeds his current open-market value, making an opt-in a financially logical decision.
However, as a two-time NBA champion nearing the latter stages of his career, he could also test free agency in search of a role with a contender.
From Memphis’ perspective, Caldwell-Pope was always viewed as more of a short-term veteran presence rather than a foundational piece. Even if he exercises his option, he could become a trade candidate as an expiring contract at next season’s deadline.
For now, the focus shifts to the Grizzlies’ younger core. With Memphis hovering below .500 and navigating a season defined by instability, extended minutes for developing players may ultimately serve the franchise’s long-term outlook.