PHILADELPHIA–The Philadelphia 76ers have been rocking with a few different backup center looks they can go to behind Joel Embiid. They have gone with a small lineup in the form of PJ Tucker and they have also used more traditional looks with Montrezl Harrell and Paul Reed.
Recently, the Sixers have turned to Reed to back up Embiid. The young energetic third-year big man has his moments, but it has been a struggle for him over the previous three games as he has not had his usual impact.
Reed was a minus-7 in 4:45 for the Sixers on Sunday’s win over the Utah Jazz and coach Doc Rivers turned to the veteran, Harrell, to back up Embiid in the second half. Harrell scored four points and he was battling on the boards with the taller Jazz.
Afterward, Harrell gave his thoughts on sharing the backup center spot with Reed as the Sixers continue to piece things together behind the big fella.
“I just play, man,” Harrell said. “Simple as that. I play the game, man. Of course, I wanna be out there on the floor. Of course, I wanna be in a position [of] something that’s consistent, but hey, it’s the game. I’ve been in the game for eight years. It’s just about coming in the game and doing what you’re supposed to when you’re name is called so really that’s all I do, man.”
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Despite the uneven playing time and the backup spot continuing to be a flux, Harrell continues to be the best teammate he can be. He is trying to be a guy they can count on and continue to be that veteran leader in the locker room, but it’s also obvious that he would like a more consistent role.
“I sit on the bench,” he added. “I cheer my teammates on. Tell them what I see in certain aspects on the floor both offensively and defensively, and when my name is called, just go out there and play with a high level and high energy that I’m known for doing.”
As a whole, the bench unit has been up and down. The Sixers have been looking to find more consistency with that unit and Harrell isn’t sure how that can be done. He’s just going to do what is asked of him.
“I don’t know,” he stated. “It ain’t up to me. I just do my job when my name is called. It’s as simple as that. When my name is called, I just go out there and try to do it to the best of my ability, play the right way and just give us a lift off the bench.”