Sixers: 4 most exciting backup center options for 2021-22

Sixers’ 4 most exciting backup center options: Paul Reed

The 58th pick in the 2020 NBA draft has had one of the most absurd careers to date for a fringe-roster Sixer. From becoming a meme late-second-rounder due to his Twitter handle (I still can’t believe PA announcer Matt Cord announces his name as “BBall Paul” at the Wells Fargo Center) to dominating the G-League en route to being named MVP of its bubble, Reed has proven an uncanny ability to produce.

Then, Reed returned this season and once again put up gaudy numbers in summer league. With Tyrese Maxey out of the lineup to host a youth basketball camp, Reed put up a monstrous statline: 27 points, 20 rebounds, four assists, four steals, and four blocks. Though Reed did look rough around the edges when he saw NBA action last year, and didn’t play any meaningful minutes in the postseason, the potential for him as a backup five is tantalizing.

Reed flies around the court with seemingly-boundless energy and hustle. He’s always in the camera frame when there’s a loose ball to dive for, and seems to come up with all sorts of contested rebounds. Defensively, his mobility is impressive: Reed is quick enough to stick with wings and occasionally even guards on the perimeter, strong enough to not get outmuscled by bigs, and athletic enough to come up with impact defensive plays — he finished in the G-League top ten in both steals and blocks last season.

Offensively, his toolbox is much deeper than even Daryl Morey likely anticipated when he entered the league. Drafted as a versatile defender and energetic hustler, Reed continues to showcase his impressive bag. Sure, he’s able to run the floor and score off dimes like any good big man — Reed produced a series of highlight finishes in summer league — but a heavy offensive load in the G-League allowed him to expand his offensive game as well.

Reed’s face-up game, though funky and sometimes not visually appealing, has been effective when he’s leaned on it. His 3-point shooting, too, has outpaced perhaps even his most ardent advocates in the Sixers draft room last season. In the G-League, he shot 44% on 3.6 attempts per game; though his release is slow and not exactly graceful, it goes in. He’s already a more complete offensive player than any of the team’s other options off the bench at center.

Picking Reed late in the second round has, so far, been a home run selection. Sure, his cult following can be overzealous at times, but there’s no denying the fact that Reed has dominated on the court when given the opportunity. His offensive and defensive versatility, combined with his young age and proven ability to improve, project to make Reed the backup center option who clearly possesses the most upside — and “BBall Paul” is far and away the winner of the most-interesting-backup-center sweepstakes.