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3 Sixers players who deserve more attention entering 2023-24 season

By Christopher Kline

Jaden Springer, Philadelphia 76ers (Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)
Jaden Springer, Philadelphia 76ers (Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Paul Reed, Nic Claxton (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Paul Reed, Nic Claxton (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

76ers player who deserves attention: 2. Paul Reed

The Sixers began last season with Montrezl Harrell over Paul Reed in the center rotation. That was plainly incorrect from the start, and even the notoriously stubborn Doc Rivers realized by midseason that Reed was the only logical answer behind Embiid. That remains the case entering the 2023-24 season, despite a slew of new centers populating the roster.

Philadelphia signed Mo Bamba and brought over 2021 second-round pick Filip Petrusev from Europe. The former is an established NBA player, the latter is a rookie who merits some level of attention. That said, Philadelphia only gave long-term money to one player this summer and it was Paul Reed. The contract isn’t fully guaranteed, but three years and $21 million is a decent-sized investment for a backup center. It shows real and well-earned faith in Reed.

The Sixers should continue to give Reed free reign over the non-Embiid minutes. He’s already a genuinely impactful defender by sheer force of will, mucking up passing lanes with his activity and never shying away from contact in the paint. Reed is 6-foot-9, and therefore undersized in some matchups, but he’s also switchable, which makes him very useful in other matchups.

Nurse should get the most out of Reed’s unique and versatile defensive skill set. His discipline has improved drastically over the last couple years, to the point where Reed is no longer a first-degree foul magnet. He also competes hard on the glass, an area where the Sixers are notoriously flimsy. Reed addresses several areas of need and he’s the only backup center over the last few years who has consistently kept the defense at a passable level when Embiid sits.

Offensively, Reed’s skill set needs refinement. He shot over 40 percent from deep in his G-League MVP season, but that hasn’t translated to the NBA yet. There are flashes of genuine self-creation in the post. He will face up from the elbow and pirroute awkwardly into reverse layups that leave one scratching their chin in bewilderment. But generally, he’s better off focusing on solid screens and simple finishes. That said, Reed has alluded to conversations with Nick Nurse comparing him to Pascal Siakam. Don’t be shocked if Reed spends a fair amount of time next to Embiid next season given the fragility of the Sixers’ wing depth, which could lead to, um, interesting results.