Sixers: Who should make up Doc Rivers’ bench rotation?

Who should make up the Sixers’ bench: Paul Reed

Sixer fans have been yelling into the void all season. Doc Rivers is tethered body and soul to DeAndre Jordan for some unknowable reason. The guise of “veteran experience” has made Rivers blind to Jordan’s lazy defense, subpar finishing, and constant stream of mind-numbing mistakes. The only argument against playing Reed is the potential for youthful mistakes and defensive breakdowns, but the Sixers are receiving plenty of that from the 33-year-old Jordan, with none of Reed’s youthful exuberance and athletic pop.

Reed has time and time again looked excellent in his very limited opportunities. The reigning G-League MVP is doing his best Robert Covington impression every time he touches the court — deflections and stocks galore. Reed has the athleticism to guard in space and switch to the perimeter. His instincts as a weak-side rim protector are strong, and he crashes the glass hard. The Sixers’ bench lacks an edge, and if nothing else, Reed’s non-stop hustle would provide them with just that.

We have seen Reed develop into a consistent 3-point shooter in the G-League and his offensive skill set far exceeds that of Jordan. He’s not the established lob threat Jordan is, but at 6-foot-9, Reed has more than enough pop to play above the rim. He would benefit from Harden’s court vision all the same, even if Rivers would need to reign in Reed’s offensive ambition from time to time.

No, Reed is not perfect. Young bigs tend to struggle in the postseason, and Reed’s decision-making can get erratic in extended minutes. But, all the same, he’s a special defensive prospect who plays harder than everyone in front of him. Jordan (and Paul Millsap too) are guaranteed to get run out of the gym in the playoffs. It’s past time for Rivers to give the young gun a chance. Alas, he probably won’t.