NEW YORK — Philadelphia 76ers big man Paul Reed has had a long climb to earning a spot in coach Doc Rivers’ rotation. He has had to learn that he has a role, he has to stay in that role and he has to star in that role.
In his third season, Reed has begun to truly understand that and he has been a big help for the Sixers off their bench to begin the postseason. He had 10 points and 15 rebounds while filling in for the injured Joel Embiid in a Game 4 win over the Brooklyn Nets to finish the sweep.
After a rough first half in which it looked like he was trying to do too much, he was terrific in the second half. He was back in his role of providing hustle plays and a spark.
PJ Tucker has helped him understand his role.
“That’s like a big brother to me, for real,” Reed said of Tucker. “He’s one of the dudes who have helped me in my development mentally, just how serious I gotta take this opportunity and my preparation and my mental focus is extremely important into winning for this team.”
There was a play in the second half on which it looked like the Nets were going to get an easy bucket in transition. Instead, Reed hustled back and produced a steal. Those are the type of plays Tucker has been harping on Reed about. Forget being fancy and trying to score a ton of points. Just play your role.
“I get it,” Tucker said of Reed. “Young guys, they wanna score and do all the statistical stuff, but those kind of plays, the hustle plays, getting back in transition, not just running to a big, but seeing close out situations and going to the open guy, getting a steal, those are the plays that change games on to help this team out. It doesn’t always gotta be scoring and whatever else is. It’s just the hustle stuff, the communication, and play hard.”
If Reed continues to provide this type of production off the bench, the Sixers are going to be in great shape in the playoffs. If he doesn’t, Tucker will be in his ear to remind him of what his role is.
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