Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s Philadelphia welcome has already come with a story most people would struggle to believe. The veteran guard had barely settled into his new home with his family before Mother Nature apparently decided to make an introduction of her own.
According to Caldwell-Pope’s wife, McKenzie, their penthouse was struck by lightning shortly after they paid the lease, causing flooding and forcing the family to temporarily move down several floors.
Naturally, the bizarre turn of events had the NBA world talking.
NBA World Reacts After Lightning Strike Leaves Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s New Philly Home Flooded
Caldwell-Pope joined the 76ers this offseason after agreeing to a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies last month. Once he became a free agent, the two-time NBA champion followed his good friend, LeBron James, to Philadelphia.
McKenzie explained that shortly after they paid for the top-floor apartment, lightning struck the building, causing flooding. The family had to move down a few floors while service personnel worked on the damage.
She later revealed just how unlikely the incident was, saying there was “a 1 in 400 million” chance of it happening.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s new penthouse apartment in Philadelphia was reportedly struck by lightning and flooded just MINUTES after he signed the lease. 😳
Water began pouring through the ceiling, with several inches flooding the apartment before everyone evacuated.
An… pic.twitter.com/mTRXB2U1vX
— Polymarket Hoops (@PolymarketHoops) August 29, 2026
The bizarre start to the Caldwell-Popes’ life in Philly quickly drew reactions from the NBA community.
“Sixers already getting punished by the basketball Gods,” a Paul George supporter wrote.
Sixers already getting punished by the basketball Gods
— prime🛸ཧོ⋆˙ (@primelverson) August 29, 2026
“Not a good sign,” a Detroit Pistons supporter added.
“Maybe this is what he needs to get his jumper back,” an NBA observer reacted.
Not everyone viewed the lightning strike as a bad omen, though.
“It can only get better! Silver lining: The Sixers’ chances of winning a title are better than your apartment getting struck by lightning. One’s already happened. Glad that you and your family are safe,” a Philadelphia sports supporter tweeted.
It can only get better! Silver lining: The Sixers’ chances of winning a title are better than your apartment getting struck by lightning. One’s already happened. 😂 Glad that you and your family are safe.
— Mark Perner (@MarkPerner) August 29, 2026
“Sign that telling you this season is gonna be electric!!” another sports enthusiast remarked.
Sign that telling you this season is gonna be electric!!⚡️
— jack (@jack77334689) August 29, 2026
Even some 76ers supporters made light of the situation.
“Typical Sixer moment lol,” a VJ Edgecombe fan tweeted.
McKenzie also said that nobody initially believed her or the moving coordinator when they reported what had happened. With the electricity knocked out, the fire department and service personnel needed some time to reach the penthouse and assess the situation.
Fortunately, the family was eventually able to return to the apartment after everything was taken care of.
The strange beginning to Caldwell-Pope’s Philadelphia chapter certainly could have been better, but the hope is that the basketball side of the move goes much more smoothly.
He averaged 8.4 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game with Memphis last season and brings the 76ers a proven 3-and-D veteran to complement a roster featuring James, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and Edgecombe.
If nothing else, KCP’s first Philly chapter has already been eventful. Now, he just needs his jump shot to get going and provide the fireworks.
