PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers have a backup center question they must answer before heading into the first round of the playoffs against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday.
Coach Doc Rivers explained after Sunday’s season finale that DeAndre Jordan will get the minutes against bigger big men while Paul Reed will get the minutes against smaller teams.
Reed played the backup center minutes over the final three games of the regular season, and considering how small the Raptors will play in the playoffs, it makes sense Reed will get some time against them.
“The offensive rebounding numbers,” said Rivers. “I just know the last 20 champions, there’s not been but one team in the top 20 in offensive rebounds. But, he also is a great defensive rebounder, and that’s important. Especially against the team we’re playing. They’re gonna put a bunch of 6-foot-9 guys out there and he can help us in that. That’s why he’s been playing.”
A big thing with Reed has always been getting him to understand his role on the team and what his limitations are. That is why he has struggled to get playing time, but he has done a much better job of that recently.
“Just has a better understanding and feel of what coach is asking and what the team needs,” said Shake Milton. “It’s definitely different. I can relate, going down to the G League and kind of having a role as free and you can be yourself, then you have to come up in here, and you gotta kind of plug in and fit into a spot. One thing about Paul is he’s always gonna work hard. That’s a given, and honestly, that’s a skill.”
Even Reed has understood he has had to mature more to get more time. He had 25 points and six rebounds in Philadelphia’s season finale win over the Detroit Pistons.
“I think I improved on recognizing what my role is for the team and doing everything in my power to be the best at role,” said Reed. “Being the best energy guy I can be. So, that’s where I improved at. Mature.”
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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