Paul Reed Bio
Paul Reed (born June 14, 1999), nicknamed “BBall Paul”, is an American professional basketball player for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The 6-foot-9-inch center and power forward played college basketball for the DePaul Blue Demons from 2017 to 2020. Reed was drafted in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 58th overall pick. He quickly established himself in professional basketball, achieving notable success in the G League before becoming a reliable rotation player in the NBA.
Early Life and Background
Paul Reed was born on June 14, 1999, in Orlando, Florida. He attended Wekiva High School in Apopka, Florida, where he experienced remarkable growth during his high school years. Reed grew from 6 feet 2 inches as a freshman to 6 feet 6 inches by his junior year and reached 6 feet 8 inches by the start of his senior year.
During his senior season at Wekiva High School, Reed averaged 18.2 points and 11.4 rebounds per game. His exceptional performance earned him the title of Central Florida Player of the Year, and he led the Mustangs to the state championship game. Rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 235 prospect in his class, Reed received scholarship offers from several major programs before choosing to continue his basketball career at DePaul University.
Path to Professional Basketball
Reed committed to play for DePaul University, selecting the Blue Demons over offers from Clemson, Kansas State, Rutgers, and Murray State. His decision to join DePaul marked the beginning of his journey toward professional basketball.
Throughout his three seasons at DePaul, Reed developed into one of the most productive players in the Big East Conference. His work ethic, particularly inspired by teammate Max Strus, helped him transition from a bench player to a dominant force in the conference.
Paul Reed Career
College Career (2017–2020)
As a true freshman at DePaul, Reed appeared in 28 games off the bench, averaging 3.6 points and 3.1 rebounds. He earned more playing time as the season progressed, averaging 5.6 points and 4.6 rebounds over the final 14 games. During his sophomore season, Reed averaged 12.3 points and a Big East Conference-leading 8.5 rebounds per game, earning Big East Most Improved Player honors.
Reed elevated his game further as a junior, earning preseason All-Big East recognition. He recorded ten double-doubles during the season and was named to the Big East Weekly Honor Roll four times during the non-conference schedule. Reed delivered a standout performance with 23 points on 8-of-9 shooting with nine rebounds in DePaul’s 79-66 upset of No. 5 Butler on January 18. After the regular season, he earned Second Team All-Big East honors while averaging 15.1 points and finishing second in the conference in rebounds, blocks, and steals. Reed declared for the 2020 NBA Draft after the season, forgoing his final year of college eligibility.
Philadelphia 76ers Era (2020–2024)
Reed was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 58th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. On December 3, 2020, he signed a two-way contract with the team, splitting time between the 76ers and their G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats. Reed made his NBA debut on January 4, 2021, playing the final 90 seconds of a win over the Charlotte Hornets and scoring two points on his only field goal attempt.
While playing for the Blue Coats during the 2021 G League season, Reed dominated the competition. He won both the NBA G League MVP award and Rookie of the Year honors, joining the All-NBA G League First Team and All-Defensive Team. On March 26, 2021, the 76ers converted Reed’s contract to a standard NBA deal.
On May 2, 2023, Reed made a significant impact in the playoffs, sinking four clutch free throws to lead the 76ers to victory in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semi-finals against the Boston Celtics. Later that summer, on July 8, Reed signed a three-year, $23 million offer sheet with the Utah Jazz. The 76ers matched the offer sheet the following day, securing his return. On January 27, 2024, Reed posted a career-high 30 points with 13 rebounds in a loss to the Denver Nuggets. The 76ers waived Reed on July 6, 2024.
Detroit Pistons (2024–Present)
On July 9, 2024, the Detroit Pistons claimed Reed off waivers. He was waived again on December 14, 2024, but re-signed with the team the following day. On June 30, 2025, Reed agreed to a two-year, $11 million contract to remain with the Pistons.
Playing Style and Strengths
Reed is known for his versatility as both a center and power forward. His 6-foot-9-inch frame and mobility allow him to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Reed’s rebounding ability stands out as a particular strength, having led the Big East Conference in rebounds during his sophomore year at DePaul. His defensive instincts earned him G League All-Defensive Team honors, and his ability to block shots and create turnovers adds value to his team’s defense.
Notable Events and Milestones
Reed’s career has included several notable milestones. Winning the G League MVP award in 2021 established him as one of the top players in the developmental league. His playoff performance against the Boston Celtics in 2023 demonstrated his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. The $23 million offer sheet from the Utah Jazz in 2023 reflected the league’s recognition of his value as a rotation player.
Paul Reed Career Highlights
Reed has built an impressive collection of achievements across his college and professional career, with his most decorated season coming in 2021 when he dominated the G League.
NBA G League Highlights
Reed’s time in the G League proved to be a launching pad for his NBA career. During the 2021 season with the Delaware Blue Coats, he won the Most Valuable Player award and Rookie of the Year honors, becoming just the third player in league history to earn both awards in the same season. He was named to the All-NBA G League First Team and All-Defensive Team, establishing himself as one of the premier players in the developmental league.
College Honors
At DePaul, Reed earned Big East Most Improved Player honors in 2019 and Second-team All-Big East recognition in 2020. His junior year performance placed him among the conference leaders in rebounds, blocks, and steals.
Paul Reed Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Paul Reed comes from a basketball family. His father, also named Paul, played college basketball at Old Dominion and the University of Central Florida before enjoying a professional career in Europe. Reed has four sisters, continuing a family tradition of athletic achievement.
Personal Life
Reed’s family includes several notable athletes. His uncle, Mike Sims-Walker, played in the National Football League (NFL), extending the family’s athletic legacy beyond basketball. Outside of basketball, Reed has developed a following on social media, where he sells “Out the Mud” branded hoodies. The name references a tweet he posted during a game when he did not receive playing time, drawing inspiration from the Lil Baby and Future song of the same name.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a new chapter for Reed with the Detroit Pistons. After a turbulent 2024 that saw him claimed off waivers and then waived again before re-signing, Reed agreed to a two-year, $11 million contract extension in June 2025. This deal provides him with long-term security and the opportunity to establish himself as a consistent contributor for a young Pistons team.
Reed’s versatility as a center and power forward provides the Pistons with lineup flexibility. His ability to rebound, block shots, and score in the paint gives Detroit a dependable option in the frontcourt. The contract extension signals the organization’s confidence in his ability to contribute to their rebuilding efforts.