Sixers: 3 goals for Paul Reed in 2021-22 season

A vast majority of the Sixers fanbase has fallen head over heals for the man they call Bball Paul. His full name, of course, is Bball Paul Reed, the second-year forward/center/ninja from DePaul who won MVP and Rookie of the Year (in the G-League) and just finished second team All-NBA (Summer League).

For Reed, the best is yet to come. He’s clearly too good for lower level competition, and sooner than later, he should get his shot in Philly. Reed’s disruptive habits on defense, combined with an intriguing (if unpolished) mix of skills on offense, make him a compelling stretch big on paper.

As he gears up for his sophomore NBA season, here are three goals Reed should set for himself.

3 goals for Sixers big Paul Reed: Hit over 35 percent of his 3s

The biggest road block between Reed and playing time (other than Doc Rivers’ lack of imagination) is uncertainty over Reed’s ability to impact the game offensively. He has flashed all sorts of skill in the G-League and Summer League — shooting, passing, handling — but his possessions too often devolve into his possessions. After spending most of his career as a go-to option, Reed will need to prove he can play the role of role player.

The quickest way for Reed to smooth over doubts is his 3-point shot, which has already improved considerably since DePaul. In 15 G-League games, Reed hit 44.4 percent of his 3.6 attempts per game. That’s a slightly absurd number to replicate — especially in the NBA — but in a smaller role next to NBA-level shooters and playmakers, it shouldn’t be hard for him to bat over league average from deep.

In a very limited sample with the Sixers, Reed went without a make from deep last season. While there’s unfortunately no guarantee of a consistent role or a chance to really earn one, Reed should get more opportunities in 2021-22. He’s another year wiser, and has put together the kind of lower-level resumé indicative of a player with NBA equity.