Ranking every player on the Sixers roster — 13. Paul Reed
Already a beloved fan favorite, Paul Reed — more affectionately known as Bball Paul — is well on his way to making every NBA team kick themselves for letting him fall to 58 on draft night. The 21-year-old won G-League MVP as a rookie, then went on to show real flashes in the NBA.
Doc Rivers has been hesitant to use Reed all season, citing a lack of readiness. That’s fair — he’s certainly not a finished product — but the skill level and athleticism are tantalizing. At 6-foot-9, Reed could very well become the future at center behind Embiid. He runs the floor like a gazelle, he’s a capable spot-up shooter, and his length generates chaos on defense. He will need to sand down the rough edges of his game, but Reed can already assert his presence on both ends.
It’s not easy or particularly common for rookies to win G-League MVP. That award is more commonly reserved for veterans. Reed was able to take on the role of No. 1 scorer for Delaware, a surprise to even his most ardent pre-draft supporters. His large catch radius, agility, and bounce make him a dynamic finisher at the rim. His mobility suggests real versatility on defense.
The Sixers fandom has gotten behind Paul Reed the person, as well as Paul Reed the basketball player. He’s a true and utter delight who seems to genuinely appreciate his circumstances and the opportunity afforded to him. The Sixers didn’t even wait until his second season to award Reed a standard NBA contract. He is here to stay.
— Christopher Kline