PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers have capable options to back up Joel Embiid and give the big fella rest when the time calls for it. They can either turn to veteran Montrezl Harrell or young big man Paul Reed.
Through the first 29 games of the season, the Sixers have gone back and forth with the two big men as backup options. When one plays well, he gets the backup minutes. When one struggles, coach Doc Rivers gives the other an opportunity. It is a beneficial and healthy competition for the roster.
At the moment, the Sixers are rocking with Harrell, and the veteran is playing well in his opportunity. In the wings, Reed awaits his next chance. Though it is frustrating for him to be in and out of the rotation, he understands what he has to do for the betterment of the team.
“Yeah, of course, but you gotta handle it like a professional,” said Reed. “I understand that I got areas that I need to improve on. I ain’t trippin. I just know I gotta get better so I’m just putting in the work every day and I know it’s gonna pay off.”
In terms of those areas that he needs to improve upon, Reed explained what he has to do in order to get his next opportunity.
“I feel like I gotta be more consistent,” he added. “Be more consistent, be a better finisher, and just be consistent on the defensive end as well. Just doing what they ask me to do which is just rebound, block shots, and then just the defensive rotations.”
Harrell and Reed also have a great relationship. The veteran big man pushes Reed every day to be the best he can be. Harrell told Sixers Wire back on Nov. 25:
“I tell people all the time he’s a young guy that’s eager to learn and just trying to find his niche in the league,” he finished. “What’s gonna keep him around being in the league? I think it’s just his overall motor and his willing to want to learn the game. Want to learn the different things that coaches are asking him to do.”
This is where the backup center spot is at right now. Either guy can fill in and play a role on the floor. It will be up to Rivers to push the right buttons and be sure the team succeeds. At the moment, he is. The Sixers have won five in a row after knocking off the Toronto Raptors on Monday.
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