The Pistons suddenly have a center rotation in flux after a tumultuous offseason, but Paul Reed is here to save the day. Reed is slotted to take over the backup center slot after Isaiah Stewart was traded this summer, and hopes to continue his incredible per-minute production. Even better, Reed shared social media posts reviewing the Pistons/Cavaliers series, indicating that he's already got an eye on all-important playoff adjustments for next season.
Paul Reed knows what's most important in Detroit
Heading into this 7th season, Reed is a consummate professional who's determined to fill whatever role his team needs. The Pistons have had notable departures this offseason, but also retain players waiting in the wings to fill those holes. Reed could be possibly the biggest swing factor of them all, since the Pistons' elite center rotation gave them such an advantage on the way to 60 wins last season.
But more important than the regular season success is how the Pistons fare in the playoffs next season. Detroit's lack of success luring a big star hurts the most in the postseason, when defenses would rather sell out on Cade Cunningham and force other Pistons to beat them. In their most recent playoff run, that strategy neutralized all the Pistons' centers except one: Paul Reed.
In limited minutes and with wildly varying opportunity, Reed still produced at a terrifically efficient rate in the playoffs. He averaged 7 points and 4 rebounds per game - in just 9 minutes per game. For 5 of the Pistons' 14 games, he didn't check in at all. Extrapolate those numbers out and you get 28 points and 15 rebounds per 36 minutes for Reed.
The Pistons will ask a lot more from Reed next season
Of course, it's ridiculous to assume Reed will maintain the same level of energy and production if his minutes double next season. But the Pistons will still need him to provide a similar impact as a steady scorer, pick-and-roll finisher and hustler. Even if his per-minute averages come down a bit, Reed will need to help the Pistons maintain their same advantages on the glass and in the paint whenever he touches the court.
In addition, Reed will also give the Pistons some more options on offense because of his surprising skillset from the center spot. He's got a nifty bag of ball-handling moves, crafty passes and even the occasional 3-pointer. Compared to presumptive starter Jalen Duren, that'll force defenses to react differently and possibly give the Pistons a leg up in crucial playoff possessions.
Even more important than Reed's offensive production will be his defensive stability in a bigger role. He's replacing one of the best per-minute defenders in the NBA; Isaiah Stewart was one of the league's top rim protectors last season. Reed has good instincts and mobility to match that effort at the rim, but could struggle if he's forced to switch out as often as Stewart.
Paul Reed has some big shoes to fill next season, but he's ready for the task. With an eye on the playoffs, he's already preparing to take over a bigger role at one of the Pistons' most important positions.
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