What can the Sixers expect from the sophomore players?

What can the Sixers expect from the sophomore players: Paul Reed

2020-21 G-League MVP Paul Reed is the final Sixers sophomore who seems primed to crack the teams rotation this year.

Lucky for Reed, he brings an element to the Sixers that other players at his position do not. Harris and Georges Niang, the teams other two power forwards, are both slightly undersized for the position, and are average-at-best rebounders.

Reed is 6-foot-9, with long arms and a great vertical. He has been an elite rebounder from college to the G-league and showed that prowess in the preseason. He grabbed 7.5 rebounds per game in 22 minutes per game. Reed has said he’s been working on grabbing boards throughout camp.

In one press conference, he explained to the media that teammate Georges Niang gave him “great advice,” telling him to, “focus on what I do that’s elite, which is offensive rebounding,” per Tom Moore of the Intelligencer.

Along with his energy on the glass, Reed’s activity on the court has been felt on the defensive end as well. He’s averaged 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks in 4 four preseason games.

He has shown, in spurts, the ability to switch, play help defense and guard the pick-and-roll. These are major steps for NBA big men on their road to becoming good players. Reed needs to bring that activity every time he is on the court to hope to continue playing.

Reed continued to show his ability to both slash with the ball and score as the ‘roll’ man in the pick-and-roll, averaging about 8.0 points per contest. He pulled off some very athletic dunks and drives.

While many of his scoring plays come from his high-level athleticism, he shows potential for a perimeter game. This potential has caught his head coach’s eye.

“I want someday for him to be 4, but right now in his career, he’s probably a small 5. He’s rebounding the heck out of the ball, he has great speed, and he’s learning the game,”  said Rivers, per Ky Carlin of Sixerswire

The more Reed can expand that game, the more he’ll push himself into a consistent bench role the Sixers.

Whether it’s Maxey, Joe, or Reed, Sixers fans should expect this entire draft class to play a major role on this year’s team. Their skill sets will be huge assets for the Sixers throughout the year. Expect to get used to their names this season, they aren’t just G-League players anymore,