ORLANDO–The Philadelphia 76ers have had a rotation that has been fluid to begin the 2022-23 season as they have been flip-flopping between Paul Reed and Montrezl Harrell as the backup center to Joel Embiid. With Embiid dealing with an injury, Harrell has taken over the starting center responsibilities in his place.
In two games as the starter, Harrell is averaging 11.0 points and 7.0 rebounds as he has been a guy who can stabilize the Sixers a bit on the offensive end. He obviously isn’t Embiid, but he is a guy who can help this team in this tough time.
This could be an opportunity for Harrell to nail down a more consistent role in Philadelphia, but that isn’t what’s on his mind as he continues to learn and grow with his new team.
“It’s still up in the air, honestly,” said Harrell at shootaround on Friday. “It’s an opportunity. We’re down a lot of players right now. A lot of players being asked to play multiple minutes that they’re not accustomed to, but it’s just about coming in, playing the right way, and just trying to do the little things to win the game.”
A former 6th Man of the Year winner in 2020, Harrell understands what it takes to win games and he is just focused on that to help Philadelphia get the job done on the floor.
“That’s the only way I know how to play the game of basketball in general,” he stated. “Just doing all the dirty work, playing as hard as I can, and just trying to put my team in position to win. That’s the only way I’m looking at this opportunity right now.”
With that being said, Harrell has stated in the past that he would like to be in a position where something is more consistent for him. However, he is past that and he just wants to help the Sixers win games.
“I’ve been stopped paying attention to what the lineups are gonna be, what the rotation may be,” Harrell added. “It’s just about me. Making sure I’m ready once my name is called, pretty much.”
Also, the veteran out of Louisville is not in a personal competition with Reed. Harrell wants to see the young man do well and find his spot in the league.
“I tell people all the time he’s a young guy that’s eager to learn and just trying to find his niche in the league,” he finished. “What’s gonna keep him around being in the league? I think it’s just his overall motor and his willing to want to learn the game. Want to learn the different things that coaches are asking him to do.”
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