PHILADELPHIA–Young Philadelphia 76ers big man Paul Reed has been waiting in the wings for his opportunity. He has been working hard and he has been biding his time while waiting for a chance to play again.
Over the final four games before the All-Star break, he got that chance and he gave the Sixers some really good minutes. Over the final two games before the break, Reed combined to block five shots and he showed that he was a positive influence out on the floor.
Even on the offensive end, Reed has been contributing. He had six points in a win over the Houston Rockets and he had five points in a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. These are the type of performances the Sixers have been waiting on after the young man said he was rushing things earlier in the year.
“It’s just building that chemistry with my teammates and knowing what they want from me and what spots they need me to be in order to create good space for the team to get buckets,” said Reed. “It’s like a learning curve and I’ve learned a lot since then.”
As he now heads into the All-Star break, Reed doesn’t want to lose the momentum that he built up over these last four games. He now has to keep building.
“I think just keep working hard,” Reed explained. “I intend to keep training just as I was training before the All-Star break. I feel like I’m gonna do the same during the All-Star break just so I can come in with the same intensity and energy. I’m not trying to lose a step at all.”
Reed will also work to get to know new teammate Dewayne Dedmon who the Sixers signed off the buyout market right before the break. Philadelphia will likely give him a shot to earn some backup minutes as well and Reed will be in competition with him.
“From what I can see, he’s a great guy,” Reed said of Dedmon. “Great energy already that he’s been giving the team. I’m excited to get to know him better and learn what I can from him.”
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