Sixers: 5 takeaways from preseason opener vs. Raptors

5 takeaways from Sixers’ preseason opener: Isaiah Joe and Paul Reed both deserve minutes this season

Isaiah Joe and Paul Reed both saw very limited NBA playing time in their rookie seasons last year — the pair of second-round selections only got called up to the big leagues as a result of COVID absences or a total lack of depth due to injuries. However, both players have clearly shown that they deserve, at the very least, a fair shot to show what they’ve got at the highest level.

Joe’s most valuable asset remains his willingness to fire up three-pointers at extreme volume. Against the Raptors, he attempted 8 threes in 25 minutes (and knocked down a deep one from the logo as well), and also looked solid handling the ball and made a few nifty live-dribble passes. Joe also seems to have improved defensively as he enters his sophomore season — he looked better than every Sixer wing not named Matisse Thybulle on that end of the ball.

Reed is perpetually giving 110 percent every minute he spends on the court, and his length and athleticism makes him potentially a better option than anyone else on the roster to anchor the defense. Reed’s offense continues to look funky but function effectively, and when he attempted a three against Toronto, his release looked quicker than it did last season.

There’s no guarantee that either Joe or Reed will pan out in the league, but there’s clear upside to each of their careers with the Sixers – Joe as a complementary three-and-D wing, Reed as a backup to Embiid at the five. It’s a long NBA season, and on nights where Sixers veterans need some rest, these two certainly look ready to fill into the rotation and potentially become useful everyday players.