During the playoffs last year, Paul Reed proved that he’s worthy of more minutes than he received last season. And by trading Isaiah Stewart, the Detroit Pistons basically showed that they agree with that sentiment. He’s slated to be their full-time backup five. But each day Jalen Duren doesn’t re-sign, Reed becomes more and more important.
Obviously, Duren is the Pistons’ starting center. He was an All-Star last year. He made the All-NBA Third Team. He’s one of the best centers in the league. But clearly, he isn’t thrilled with the Pistons’ current offer in restricted free agency. So, even when the Pistons do re-sign him – which seems likely – he may not be too happy. And if they don’t sign him, it’d be a disaster.
The point is, if Duren is unhappy next year, or somehow not on the team, the Pistons will need a very solid center rotation. Reed is their only non-two-way guy right now. He’ll have to hold down the fort.
Paul Reed is gaining more responsibility by the day
In the Pistons’ second-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers last year, Reed was crucial. As Duren struggled to find his footing, Reed provided the Pistons with some big-time center minutes.
In his five appearances that series, Reed played 13.0 minutes per contest. He averaged 11.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assist while shooting 70.6% from the field and 66.7% from deep (2-of-3 in the series).
It was an extremely impressive showing, and at times, JB Bickerstaff even chose to roll with Reed instead of Duren. That’s how impactful Reed was when he was on the court.
Now, heading into next season, he’s technically the only center on a standard roster spot. Until the Pistons re-sign Duren – if they do – that’s how the situation will remain.
Detroit has two center options on two-way contracts: Isaac Jones and rookie Ugonna Onyenso. Jones is probably good enough to play, but a center rotation of Reed and Jones is shaky at best.
And again, even if Duren returns, he may not be the happiest he’s ever been. The Pistons need some great depth at the five spot, and they only have Reed.
As soon as the Pistons traded Stewart, there were always going to be a lot of responsibilities delegated to Reed. But day by day, as the Duren situation drags on, those responsibilities grow larger.
The Pistons are going to be asking a lot from Reed, and it’ll be up to him to step up to the plate.
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