Energetic Paul Reed biding his time as a Sixers rookie

The rookie power forward is averaging 3.1 points, 1.9 rebounds and 8.6 minutes in nine games played.

Sixers power forward Paul Reed has impressed teammates with his energy and work ethic.Read moreYONG KIM / Staff Photographer

Published March 30, 2021, 2:48 p.m. ET

DENVER — Paul Reed is in a tough spot when it comes to getting consistent minutes for the 76ers.

“Minutes have to be earned,” coach Doc Rivers said. “I think he has a fantastic future, but he also has Tobias Harris in front of him, and Ben Simmons and some pretty good players. So obviously, you can’t play everybody.”

However, Rivers likes how hard Reed plays and his competitive gene.

Those two qualities led to Reed sweeping this season’s NBA G League most valuable player and rookie of the year honors with the Delaware Blue Coats, the Sixers’ G League affiliate.

After his stellar play against G Leaguers in the Walt Disney World bubble in Kissimmee, Fla., the Sixers converted his two-way contract to a standard NBA deal on Friday.

The 6-foot-9 Reed, unstoppable as a Blue Coat, averaged 22.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.8 blocks in 15 regular-season games in Kissimmee. He led the league with 12 double-doubles and shot 44.4% on three-pointers.

“Paul has proven himself at every level and I expect the NBA to be next,” Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said in a statement when Reed swept the G League honors. “The G League MVP almost always goes to veteran players with experience as a professional. For him to win in his rookie season shows the incredible NBA potential he has.”

However, as Rivers pointed out, he’s behind Harris, Simmons, and Mike Scott in the rotation. Simmons, a three-time All-Star, is the starting point guard but also sees action as a post player.

As a result, Reed had made only nine NBA appearances heading into Tuesday night’s game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. He averaged 3.1 points, 1.9 rebounds and 8.6 minutes in those contests.

The Sixers were down to seven healthy bodies in their first meeting against the Nuggets on Jan. 9 at the Wells Fargo Center. On that night, Reed finished with six points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block and four turnovers, and was plus-13 in 26 minutes, 11 seconds in the 115-103 setback. Two nights later, the former DePaul player had six points, three rebounds, one assist, three blocks and zero turnovers while being a plus-7 in a 112-94 road loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

“You feel comfortable throwing him in any situation,” Rivers said. “And he may make mistakes, but he’s going to compete. Sometimes that is an edge that may take you over the top. So we’ll throw him in there at times.”

Reed played against the Lakers and Clippers on this trip because of a lack of post players. Joel Embiid was set to miss his ninth straight game with a bone bruise in his left knee on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Sixers parted ways with reserve centers Tony Bradley (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Vincent Poirier (New York Knicks) in Thursday’s three-team trade to acquire George Hill from the Thunder. As a result, Dwight Howard was the lone available center against the Lakers (Thursday) and Clippers (Saturday).

“That’s just where we are for the next two games probably,” Rivers said of having one available center. “Then we’ll get back to our normal rotation.”

That could mean Reed will go back to being out of the rotation, but he will remain a team favorite.

Years ago, while Howard was an Orlando Magic standout, Reed attended his basketball camp.

“For him to be my teammate, I feel, one, like sort of ancient,” Howard, 35, said of the 21-year-old. “I’ve been here for a long time. But two, it’s just been amazing.

Every day, he’s asking questions. He’s wanting to get better. He’s full of energy.”

Howard, a 17th-year veteran, notes that all of the Sixers love Reed’s work ethic.

“His energy is always amazing, especially when he’s playing,” Howard said. “So I’m happy for young fella.”