Sixers Star James Harden Offers Thoughts on Paul Reed Lately

With Paul Reed playing more, James Harden offered his thoughts on the young center's recent progress.

As Montrezl Harrell struggled in his minutes behind Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers made a familiar adjustment. Just as he said he would from the beginning of the 2022-2023 NBA season, Rivers put in Paul Reed over Harrell over the last few games.

In the past, Rivers mentioned numerous times that he prefers Harrell over Reed for offensive purposes, especially when James Harden’s on the floor, since the two veterans have better chemistry. But with Reed improving on offense and holding more value on the other side of the floor, Rivers has given the third-year veteran an opportunity to build his chemistry with Harden.

Following Philadelphia’s Wednesday night win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Harden acknowledged Reed’s play for the team coming off the bench.

“Paul has been giving us a burst of energy off the bench,” said Harden. “Whether it’s a defensive presence, rebounding, finishing around the rim… just a little bit of everything.”

Reed’s always been looked at as an energy guy for the Sixers. Although he doesn’t get steady playing time, there isn’t a moment where he’s not playing hard. As he grows more comfortable taking on a role in the team’s primary rotation, Reed is proving his value to the team’s coaching staff and stars.

“I think his energy… when you play hard, you do the right things, and good things happen for you,” Harden finished.

Over the last four games, Reed has averaged 12 minutes on the court. While he’s not taking a ton of shots, he’s produced on 75 percent of his attempts from the field, putting up 3.3 points per game. Then in the rebounding department, Reed averaged four boards per game, grabbing defensive rebounds at a 27 percent rate. 

Reed’s still on a probation period, as Harrell remains ready and Dewayne Dedmon enters the picture. But if the young veteran can keep up with the way he’s currently playing, he could find himself as Joel Embiid’s primary backup when the playoffs roll around for the second season in a row.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.