Reed is one of the ultimate guys when it comes to discussing potential vs. production. Ever since he first burst onto scene between freshman and sophomore season people have seen his great size, ability to run, relative quickness and had thoughts of “wait until he adds skill and weight” to his frame. For those reasons he is easy to get excited about.
On the other hand, Reed has yet to actually do a lot in game situations to justify too lofty of predictions for him. For one, he needs to gain a lot of strength and has a very, very narrow frame that will be tough to put too much weight on. Next, he has to develop skill. HIs touch and hands aren’t bad, but Reed is quite raw on the offensive end and is going to need time to adjust to college basketball. I think all big guys deserve the benefit of the doubt because they develop slower, but over 16 EYBL games the numbers say that Reed was good for 16.7 minutes per game, 4.25 points, 5.6 rebounds (1.4 offensive), 2.4 blocks per game.
Those numbers don’t concern me much but here is what I feel needs to happen for him to realize that potential (outside of the obvious need to get stronger). Reed needs to better utilize his size and reach. He’s too big and too quick to not be a guy that can gobble up more rebounds out of his area and not make more of an impact on the offensive glass. Now, he wasn’t exactly a focal point of an outstanding E1T1 team during the summer, but when he did get the ball he was very timid (made less than one half of a trip to the FT line per game). Reed needs to develop more confidence and really go at the basket and try to force the issue a little more.
Really an interesting prospect who generates wildly varying opinions that go from “future pro” to “future bust”. I think that his ranking has become more appropriate over time (simply not enough to justify staying as highly ranked as he was early) but still too much potential to totally give up on.
He actually reminds me a bit of a kid from here in KC by the name of Willie Reed. Reed was very good at SLU and productive in the NBDL before making his way onto the Memphis Grizzlies roster for the playoffs last season (and still only 22 or 23 years old). I don’t think Trayvon has same overall ability and he’s not quite aggressive, but very similar in body type, size and overall athleticism. If what turned on for Willie Reed turns on for him, he could turn into a very good player.
freddy from boca
i can only form some tyoe of opinion based on what i have read about reed because i’ve never seen him play and the “highlight” videos to me are meaningless. you could be a 25 handicap in golf and someone makes a video of you hitting a few good shots and the video would make it look like you’re a 5 handicap. from what i’ve read i wouldn’t have any great expectations at this time. his ranking as a player has dropped over time. i don’t think that’s a good sign. you always read this guy was ranked 80th but after summer ball he shot up to 45. that’s what you are looking for. when you read he needs learn skills, needs to be a better rebounder even though he’s 7-1 you need to take a step back. all the excitement is due to his height and he can run the floor. and running the floor well in high school isn’t the same as running the floor in college. the college game is much faster than high school. he’s a project and with project’s you need to have patience and hope he fills out, acquires the skills needed and gains strength. the good news is he still has a year to go in high school and maybe he’ll redshirt and in a couple of years be a productive player. in 3 years he could be 7-1 255. you know he’s not one and done. but you can’t teach height and he’s got that. anyone remember mark cartwright?
· 11/12/2019