Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's arrival in Philadelphia with the 76ers was met with an extraordinary event: his new penthouse was struck by lightning minutes after his wife, McKenzie, signed the lease.
McKenzie Caldwell-Pope shared the chaotic moving day experience on TikTok, describing the incident as the "loudest bang" she had ever heard. Following the strike, water began flooding the apartment, and the lightning disabled the building's elevators. Movers carrying the family's belongings were reportedly trapped on one of the elevators and required assistance from firefighters.
An electrician who assessed the damage informed McKenzie that there was a "1 in 400 million chance" of a unit being struck in such a manner. The exact odds have not been independently verified, but the event served as a dramatic welcome to the city.
Caldwell-Pope, 33, joined the 76ers after agreeing to a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies and signing a one-year deal. This move reunites him with former Los Angeles Lakers teammate LeBron James.
Caldwell-Pope has a history of championship success, having started throughout the Lakers' 2020 championship run and winning another title with the Denver Nuggets in 2023. The 76ers are hoping his experience will contribute to stabilizing their roster, which also includes Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and VJ Edgecombe.
Last season, Caldwell-Pope averaged 8.4 points in 51 games for Memphis before his season was cut short by surgery for his right pinky finger. He is now pursuing his third NBA championship with his new Philadelphia team.