The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Ranking every player on the Sixers’ 2021-22 roster

By Christopher Kline

Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, Sixers Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, Sixers Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

Ranking every player on the Sixers roster — 12. Paul Reed

More formally known as “B-Ball Paul,” the Sixers’ 2020 second-round pick has quickly won the hearts of Philadelphia fans. Fresh off an MVP campaign in the G-League and a dominant Summer League, Reed will now look to showcase his talent against real NBA talent. He currently profiles as the third-string center behind Andre Drummond.

Given the fickle nature of health for Philly’s center rotation, Reed will no doubt get his opportunities this season. Doc Rivers has expressed some level of concern over his defense (mostly his foul trouble), but Reed has proven enough at lower levels of competition to get semi-consistent reps for the big team.

At 6-foot-8, some would consider Reed too small to play center. That said, his sheer effort level on defense — combined with his ability to switch screens and play in space — allows him to make up for the size disadvantage. He does need to limit foul trouble and polish the fundamentals, but Reed’s penchant for creating chaos gives him special upside as a defensive anchor. Upside he probably won’t realize this season.

There are more serious long-term concerns on the offensive end, where Reed has struggled to fit into a specific “role” up to this point in his career. He has a tendency to freelance and take liberties that simply will not suffice in the NBA. He can play like a No. 1 option in Delaware, but in Philadelphia he will need to stifle his more ambitious impulses in service of the team’s greater good.

That said, Reed did shoot well over 40 percent from 3 in the G-League last season, and his combination of mobility, vertical athleticism, and yes, force of will make him a fascinating offensive talent. It will take time to put all the pieces together, but hopefully Doc Rivers gives him enough space to explore it all while still curbing his more harmful habits.