CAMDEN, N.J. — Philadelphia 76ers big man Paul Reed is heading into his third season looking to make an impact on the floor. He has not yet nailed down a rotation spot, but he is working hard to ensure he earns that spot.
He was the backup big man in the 2022 playoffs behind Joel Embiid, but with the addition of Montrezl Harrell, the idea is Harrell would be ahead of Reed in the rotation behind Embiid. However, Reed is making sure his name continues to be in the mix with hard work and a willingness to learn.
“He’s eager to learn,” said Harrell of Reed. “He’s a guy who’s still putting in the work in all facets of his game. Just trying to do all the little things to make him a better player. He’s just a young guy who’s eager to learn and just looking to get better.”
Reed is looking to learn from anybody who will listen to his questions and give him the time of day. The young man from DePaul is energetic and he clearly wants to be considered a good player in this league.
“He’s not only focused on one person,” Harrell continued. “He’s trying to really hear it from coaches, from players, from veteran guys. He’s a sponge. He needs to keep absorbing and to keep bettering his game. I think it’s great.”
Considering Harrell has been in the league for seven seasons, Reed is leaning on him for advice in order to continue to grow as a player.
“He has,” Harrell explained. “We’re both in the same agency, too, so we got a little bit more of an insight as far as being around one another, but at the same time, he’s just a young guy who’s willing to learn and eager to find his way to stay in this league, really.”
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