The Philadelphia 76ers have upgraded Paul Reed’s contract to a full-time deal a while ago. The Sixers’ veteran Dwight Howard recalled a story from the first time he met the rookie during the team’s training camp.

(via Sixerwire):

“The first day he came into training camp, the first thing he said was ‘Call me alley. Throw me alley-oops’, and I’m like, ‘Who in their right mind comes in and says call me alley?’” Howard recalled with a laugh.

“You at least say your first and last name and where you’re from, but he told us what he wanted and how he wanted it so I love it. I’m really happy for him and he and I love him like his little brother.”

Reed boosted his popularity during the G League ‘bubble’ in Orlando after earning the MVP honors. The Sixers are in the race for the NBA title this season, so it’s pretty tough for a rookie to show his capabilities in limited minutes.

However, Reed showed flashes that excited the Sixers fans, who are hoping that their team found a diamond in the rough in the rookie forward/center.