PHILADELPHIA–The Philadelphia 76ers have two capable centers in the form of Montrezl Harrell and Paul Reed in order to back up Joel Embiid. Therefore, coach Doc Rivers has a decision to make on how he’s going to handle the position on a nightly basis.
Over the past three games, the Sixers have turned to Harrell after Reed had his chance to earn the spot permanently. Rivers has repeatedly said that this will be fluid throughout the season, but at some point, he will have to choose just one guy and stick with him to have a consistent rotation.
Rivers explained on Friday why he is going back to Harrell after he gave Reed a shot.
“Just his play,” he stated. “I thought Paul was struggling. I think that was clear and Trez had been struggling before that. I’d love it at some point, and it’ll happen, where they’re both playing great. That’ll be good. That’ll be a good thing.”
On the season, Harrell is averaging 4.7 points and 2.8 rebounds in 11.6 minutes per game. He has played with James Harden in the past while with the Houston Rockets so he understands how The Beard likes to run the pick-and-roll and that chemistry is important.
However, Harrell is not the greatest defender and that is where Reed excels. They balance each other out with Harrell bringing an offensive threat whereas Reed is a defensive option for Philadelphia to turn to.
“Maybe you can use them together or one guy against one team or one guy against another team,” Rivers added. “That hasn’t happened yet. Right now, it’s Trez.”
The Sixers will continue their 7-game homestand on Monday when they face a familiar foe in the Toronto Raptors.
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