Sixers like defensive lineup of Paul Reed, Jalen McDaniels off the bench
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers are still figuring out what they have in new addition Jalen McDaniels, but the early signs are pretty positive after acquiring him from the Charlotte Hornets in a four-team deal.
In Monday’s win over the Houston Rockets, McDaniels had eight points and five rebounds with three assists while providing some terrific defense on the other end of the floor. He looks like he is going to become a legitimate contributor at both ends of the court for Philadelphia’s bench unit.
Combine McDaniels’ length with Paul Reed’s energy and defensive play and the Sixers like what they have in the two young players.
“Him (Reed) and Jalen, just their length together, the athleticism — not length because they’re not really tall compared to other guys — but it’s an athletic second group,” said coach Doc Rivers. “Both of them can run the floor, they create problems.”
Reed echoed his coach’s sentiments when discussing his new partnership with McDaniels.
“I think me and him are both 6-foot-9,” said Reed. “Long, athletic, definitely makes it difficult for the opposing team to do anything for real. He helps out on the rebounds as well. I think it’s a big addition.”
As for Reed earning more playing time as the backup center recently, the young man out of DePaul has kept it pretty simple on why he is earning his time.
“I think just being consistent with everything I’ve been doing,” he said. “Just putting in the work, staying consistent, being a good teammate, and when I get my opportunity, just playing the right way.”
Rivers has stated all season that the backup center position will be fluid. Perhaps, that will change when the reported signing of Dewayne Dedmon becomes official, but for now, when Reed got the call, it wasn’t a conversation or anything. It was just his turn.
“It was just ‘you’re up,’” Reed explained. “We didn’t have no conversation, but I told him I was staying ready despite the adversity I was facing and I guess he respected that.”
Now, Reed and McDaniels have the opportunity to wreak some havoc in the second unit and give the Sixers a spark.
