CAMDEN, N.J. — Philadelphia 76ers big man Paul Reed is one of the team’s most energetic players. He always comes in and gives 100% effort on both ends of the floor, and sometimes, that can get him in trouble.
In his past five games, Reed has gotten into foul trouble early and it has limited him. He picked up four fouls in three of those games and three in another off the bench.
After the win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday, Reed admitted he believes the officials are picking on him for some reason, but coach Doc Rivers has some advice for the young big man amid those issues.
“Stop fouling,” Rivers laughed. “I do think all young guys, not just Paul Reed, but I just think it is what it is. It’s always been that way. It’s not going to change and I tell him that every day. Just keep playing. Keep playing hard.”
It isn’t like Reed is being counted on to play 40-plus minutes a night. Rivers doesn’t want the young man worrying about foul trouble. It’s all about continuing to play hard and play with energy.
“One thing I tell him and all the young guys that don’t play a lot of minutes, why are you worried about fouls?” Rivers added. “Except for — you can’t commit to dumb fouls like in penalty and things like that. That’s what kills us.”
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