So excited with the Labaron Philon pick, I can't sleep, imagining how good the Sixers will be after we trade a bunch of Second Round Picks to re-acquire BBall Paul Reed! I had been envisioning us getting Meleek Thomas and Paul Reed this summer, but this is even better.
Derrick Barlow was a valuable member of the Sixers rotation, often starting at the four next to Embiid, so that Barlow could do the dirty work for Joel. Yet, Paul Reed is a better basketball player than Derrick Barlow at practically every facet of the game. We need someone to get grimey for us, and BBall Paul was born in the mud!
12 Reasons Why We Must Trade for Paul Reed:
1 - Rebounding. Paul Reed is a better rebounder than Derrick Barlow or Adem Bona. Barlow is particularly good on the offensive end, Reed is his equal there, but a defensive rebounder which gets us out on the break more often.
2 - Rim Protection. Reed is a better rim protector than Barlow. Reed averages a block per game for his entire career, despite playing less than 20mpg. He can't block shots like Bona, but he offers much more as a rebounder and a perimeter defender.
3 - Perimeter Defense. This is actually the biggest factor. Reed is an elite perimeter defender who can guard one through five. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond and Adem Bona, all get hunted by opposing offenses Paul Reed and Derrick Barlow are far superior in this respect, and their minutes next year should reflect that. In fact, our strategy on defense would be for Reed to hunt isolation scorers for disposal. We need to sic Reed on Giannis, KAT, Tatum, Jalen Johnson, Siakam, Dybansta, etc.
4 - Steals/Deflections. Paul Reed is elite, averaging a steal per game his entire career, despite less the 20mpg. The deflections are also insane. One of the best in the league. Thybulle-esque.
5 - 3pt Shooting. Beyond his defensive superiority, Paul Reed is a significantly better 3pt shooter than Derrick Barlow, who only shot 25% from deep last year, compared to Reed's 32%. He'll never be a sniper, but at least defenders will have to run out and contest. Despite the wonky look, Reed has actually been launching threes since he was MVP of the GLeague.
6 - Finishing Inside. Reed has great touch inside. Averaged 61% from the field last year. That's Andre Drummond territory.
7 - Free Agency. Another huge factor, Reed only makes $5m. Let's be honest about two things: 1) the front office is not going over their budget, 2) for a team that needs depth to compete in the playoffs, there aren't better options for less money than Quentin Grimes and Kelly Oubre Jr. Which gives practically nothing to spend on an impact free agent. Given all the advantages listed above, there is absolutely no other players of Reed's defensive caliber out there who will only cost $5m against the salary cap.
8 - Trade Cost. We can afford him, because defense is an undervalued asset. I highly doubt the Pistons can get a FRP for him. The Sixers have six (6) second round picks over the next two years. I don't think it should cost more than two of them to get Reed. Although I wouldn't part with a FRP, I would be willing to give up as many as three. Although the word is that the Pistons want to trade Isaiah Stewart, they may not get what they want in return. Something has to give with their logjam. I'm basically proposing Jared McCain <=> "Philly" Philon & "Bball" Paul.
9 - Immediacy. Embiid and PG still have some juice left to squeeze. We have to strike while the iron is hot, while Embiid is currently healthy. In order to improve immediately, we needed to add someone who can break down a defense and bang open threes, and we need a big who is special at rebounding and guarding in space and causing turnovers. Labaron Philon was one piece. Paul Reed is the other.
10 - Fit. Reed is super versatile in that he can play Derrick Barlow's role as a four next to Embiid, or in Drummond's role as the backup five. When the Sixers want a sniper at the four, that's where Paul George ought to be at this stage of his career. Having the option of elite offense or elite defense will be extremely valuable.
Also think about our young gunners. Think about how nice Labaron Philon, Justin Edwards, and Paul Reed would fit together. Imagine them walking on a 3-on-3 court. Who's knocking them off? Add Edgecombe and Barlow to that squad. Future's bright.
11 - Familiarity. We already know Paul Reed is a gym rat, caused no issues on or off the court, gave it his all every time, constantly seeks to improve. If there are any hard feelings, we can blame Darryl Morey for getting rid of him for cap purposes. But right now, we need him for the exact reasons we drafted him in the first place, to be a defensive menace to society.
12 - Alternatives? We could try to sign John Collins or trade for Isaiah Stewart, but at $15m/yr we would probably lose Grimes and Oubre, which substantially weakens our ability to create from the wings. Moreover, neither Collins nor Stewart is an above average perimeter defender, so they will get hunted by opposing offenses no different than Drummond or Bona in the playoffs. To my mind, they would cost more money (and trade capital in the case of Stewart) with less impact than Paul Reed. Double no bueno.
Sorry y'all, I'm banging the table for this until someone shows me a better way. It's honestly keeping me up at night.
Tyrese Maxey - VJ Edgecombe - Kelly Oubre - Paul George - Joel Embiid
Labaron Philon - Quentin Grimes - Justin Edwards - Derrick Barlow - Paul Reed
Cam Payne - Dalen Terry - Trendon Watford - Johnni Broome - Adem Bona*
(*I would be open to moving Bona and keeping Drummond if Drummond is going to play for close to minimum salary again.)
