Philadelphia 76ers: Ranking every player on the 2020-21 roster

Ranking every Sixers player #16 — Paul Reed

The 59th overall pick in November’s NBA Draft, the Sixers signed Paul Reed to a two-way contract. Whether he spends time on the bench or in Delaware this season, Reed is clearly a long-term project. He is someone the Sixers are investing in with an eye toward the future.

A lanky, explosive 6-foot-9 athlete, Reed has potential as either a four or small-ball five. He can rim-run, face up from the elbow, or simply crash the offensive glass. His 3-point shot is a work-in-progress, as is his decision-making, but Reed showed flashes of scoring upside at DePaul. He averaged 15.1 points on 55.1 percent shooting last season, and even hit 30.8 percent of his 3-point attempts.

Where the Sixers are likely most excited about Reed’s potential, however, is the defensive end. He needs to bulk up, but Reed’s wingspan, mobility, and upside as a weak-side rim protection and bastion of havoc would appeal to both Daryl Morey and Elton Brand. He’s still erratic, but Reed is a defensive playmaker, and there’s always value in high-effort players who make things happen.

Reed is buried in a deep Sixers frontcourt and is unlikely to earn any real playing time as a rookie. Maybe even as a sophomore. He’s someone who is good enough to stick around the program for a few years and incubate. The room for growth makes Reed worthy of his selection at No. 59 in the NBA Draft.

— CHRISTOPHER KLINE