#24: Utah Jazz: Paul Reed | Power Forward | DePaul
Think of Paul Reed as a more athletic and coordinated version of Cheick Diallo. Reed is a lanky and springy 6’9″ power forward who will be the prototypical rim-protector and rebound niche player in the NBA.
He was a shot-blocking beast at DePaul, posting 2.6 blocks per game and his defensive-mindedness crossed over into the steal column as well, where he averaged 1.9 per contest. That aggressiveness did get him in some foul trouble, as the big man fouled out of 14 percent of the games in which he played.
Having said that, he is definitely capable of scoring. He put up over 15 points per game with DePaul and features a decent touch for a big man from midrange and is not shy to drive the lane and finish around the basket.
If Reed is the upgraded version of Cheick Diallo, he could be considered a poor man’s Rudy Gobert which is why he would be a good fit for the Utah Jazz. Reed could potentially come in when Gobert needs a break and the Jazz wouldn’t have to change how they play (too much).