6 free agents the Miami Heat can replace Dion Waiters with

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Detroit Pistons shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is probably the most erratic player on our list. He has eight games this season with at least 25 points scored. At the same time, he also has an astonishing 23 games with single-digit scoring totals.

Overall, he’s averaging 14.0 points, 3.2 boards, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals and a career-high 2.1 threes per game.

His shooting from the floor is poor, as he converts on just 40.7 percent of his 12.1 attempts nightly. But he’s hitting a healthy 36.8 percent of his threes, and an impressive 83.2 percent of his free throws (though he doesn’t draw as many fouls as you’d like from your 2-guard).

To see Pope at his absolute best, look no further than his Feb. 1 performance against the New Orleans Pelicans. He finished with 38 points while nailing eight threes.

Inconsistent but explosive offensive capabilities are just one part of Pope’s game. He’s also one of the best backcourt defenders in the NBA.

According to Basketball Reference, Pope ranks fifth overall among shooting guards in defensive win shares, with a 2.2 mark. The players he’s behind are a who’s who of elite defenders: Nic Batum, Danny Green, Tony Allen and Klay Thompson.

Plus, Pope just turned 24. He’s barely starting to hit his apex as a player.

Unfortunately, for Miami to sign him, they’re going to need to offer a monster contract, as he’s going to be a restricted free agent. Van Gundy seems to have taken a liking to Pope, too, so odds are slim he lets him go to a rival like the Heat without a fight. But where there’s a will, there’s a way!