CAMDEN, N.J. — The Philadelphia 76ers have almost every position set heading into the 2022-23 season, but one still in flux is the backup center position.
At the moment, Paul Reed surprisingly appears to be the primary option.
Normally, coach Doc Rivers goes with veterans; he likes proven players who are reliable rather than younger pieces. That is why one would assume Montrezl Harrell would back up Joel Embiid. However, the Sixers are looking at Reed as well as PJ Tucker. Either way, the Sixers will be a little smaller behind Embiid in the coming season.
“It’s been going great,” said Rivers of the backup 5 spot. “I think the P-Reed has played well, I think Trez has played well. The only guy we really haven’t had at the 5 yet is Tuck. We haven’t had a lot of minutes, and we’ll probably do that definitely in one of the next two games.”
The Sixers have two preseason games left, Monday against the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road and Wednesday at home with the Charlotte Hornets, so it will be interesting to see how the Sixers handle Tucker.
As far as Harrell is concerned, Rivers likes the veteran playing the center spot rather than the power forward.
“I like him at the 5,” Rivers explained. “I think he’s a better 5. 4s can spread the floor and shoot. That’s not what Trez does, but any undersized 5 guarding Trez, you have a long night as you saw the other night.”
Either way, even though there isn’t much size behind Embiid, it looks like the Sixers are feeling comfortable with their backup center options.
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