The New York Knicks are still searching for a backup center to replace Isaiah Hartenstein, who departed in free agency to sign a three-year, $87 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder. With their options dwindling, another candidate from an Eastern Conference rival has potentially become available.
Paul Reed could become a new target for the Knicks.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Philadelphia 76ers waived backup center Paul Reed before signing Caleb Martin on Saturday. The 76ers had already signed veteran center Andre Drummond at the start of free agency, leaving Reed without a clear path to playing time. Reed, who played his first four seasons with the 76ers, saw the most action of his career last season, playing in all 82 games, including 24 starts, and averaging 7.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.
Knicks fans may recall Reed’s infamous quote downplaying New York before their first-round playoff matchup, where he called the East’s second seed the “easier team” compared to the eventual champion Boston Celtics. Reed’s words aged poorly as the Knicks eliminated the 76ers in the first round, with Reed averaging just 1.5 points across all six games of the series.
While it might seem unlikely for the Knicks to consider Reed, New York has a pressing need for center depth. Currently, Mitchell Robinson is slated to be the starting center, and Jericho Sims is projected to be the backup. They have considered bringing back Precious Achiuwa to fill the spot, but his return is not guaranteed.
The Knicks won’t require much from their backup centers next season.
At 6’9″ and 210 lbs, Reed brings size and physicality. The 25-year-old from DePaul is known as a solid rim protector (averaging 1.0 blocks per game last season) and a good rebounder. While he may not offer the same floor-spacing abilities as Hartenstein, the Knicks won’t need significant production from their backup center this time around.
New York has bolstered its scoring and playmaking depth by acquiring two-way wing Mikal Bridges in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets and drafting Marquette guard Tyler Kolek in the second round. Additionally, the Knicks will have a healthy Julius Randle, along with Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart available off the bench. The team’s depth will make them less reliant on their backup bigs, as they have players capable of guarding multiple positions.
If Reed signs with the Knicks, Tom Thibodeau would likely use him sparingly or when Robinson is in foul trouble. It’s unlikely Reed would be used in closing lineups often, but he could provide steady minutes throughout games if he continues to develop. Thibodeau has a history of expanding the capabilities of his centers, so Reed could be a solid fit for the team next season.
As the offseason continues, Reed could emerge as a player the Knicks pursue to round out their roster.
