CAMDEN, N.J. — As the Philadelphia 76ers got back to work on Sunday to prepare for Game 2 with the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, a lot of the talk was focused on Paul Reed. The young big man out of DePaul gave the Sixers a big spark in their Game 1 win.
Reed had 11 points and four rebounds in 12:53 of playing time. His energy on the glass, his work on the offensive end and his activity on defense was a big difference-maker for Philadelphia.
Reed has been active on the glass all season. He averaged 12.5 rebounds per 36 minutes and he averages 5.3 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes. His work in that department is impressive, and he mentioned two key rebounders in NBA history as mentors he models his game after.
“I watched Dennis Rodman a lot,” said Reed. “Also just being teammates with Andre Drummond, I feel like I learned a lot about positioning and tipping the ball to myself and just reading how to ball comes off the rim. I feel like that’s one of the most important things I focus on for offensive rebounding.”
Drummond spent the first half of the 2021-22 season with the Sixrs before being sent to the Nets in the James Harden deal at the deadline. He is regarded as one of the best rebounders in NBA history as he’s led the league in rebounding four times in his career.
Now with the Chicago Bulls, Drummond recently praised Reed for the hard work he puts in and Reed gave the love back to the veteran on Sunday.
“That was my big brother for real,” Reed added. “We was locked in and he was trying to take me under his wing and he tried to teach me everything he could and we’re still close to the day.”
Reed will look to make Drummond proud with his board work as the playoffs continue for the Sixers on Monday.
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