The Philadelphia 76ers waived Paul Reed in 2024 to create room for Adem Bona and Andre Drummond, and that move came back to bite the franchise on Thursday night. Reed had 18 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks as the Pistons defeated the Knicks without their two best big men. On the same night, Philadelphia lost to the lottery-bound Hawks without Joel Embiid.
Reed is the perfect reserve big man. He is third string in Detroit behind Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart, but the 26-year-old is always ready. When the Pistons' top big men were suspended for fighting with the Hornets, Reed knew it was his time. Detroit doesn’t go into Madison Square Garden and dominate without him, and that should certainly leave Sixers fans feeling some pain.
Philly chose Bona and Drummond over Reed. They are paying Drummond virtually the same salary as the current Piston and sent him packing after signing the veteran. Daryl Morey certainly messed this one up. Drummond was virtually unplayable last season and struggles to protect the rim, even when he’s producing. The Sixers needed Reed, but he was sadly long gone.
76ers' regret in waiving Paul Reed grows after disastrous night
Drummond had ten points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks against the Hawks, but the 76ers lost his 28 minutes by seven points. It was a similar story with Bona. He had nine points, seven rebounds, and four swats in 20 minutes, but Philly dropped those minutes by three. That was their 48 minutes at the five in a ten-point defeat.
The Pistons went on the road and got a monster night from Reed. He made seven of his nine field goal attempts and was Detroit’s second leading scorer behind Cade Cunningham. BBall Paul played 29 minutes and was a plus-14.
Joel Embiid is injured again, and Sixers fans are frustrated. His team is fighting to secure a playoff spot, and Tyrese Maxey has taken the superstar leap. The 76ers knew Embiid would miss time, which makes Daryl Morey’s lack of finding an answer to fill-in for the former MVP does infuriating. Philly had it in Reed, but fumbled the talented big man in favor of a declining Andre Drummond.
The Sixers will keep paying for this. Thursday was not Embiid's last missed game of the season. Philadelphia wants to make a playoff run, but has no idea when their superstar will play. Having a backup big man ready to fill in is a must, but Morey refused to upgrade at the center position this offseason.
Paul Reed was dumped by the Philadelphia 76ers and is likely enjoying making them pay for it. He keeps proving ready for a larger role, but the Pistons don’t have it. Do not be surprised to see Reed find a new home when he becomes a free agent in 2027, where he can get more run.
It may even be back in Philly. The Sixers have every reason to embrace a return and let him shine whenever Embiid misses time. Shame on the franchise for fumbling this one.