First things first, two words: Naz Reid.
The former Sixth Man of the Year winner has been playing some of the best basketball of his career lately, putting him in line for a second chance at the award.
As the Timberwolves rise up the Western Conference standings, with the same win total as the No. 2 seed San Antonio Spurs, Reid finds himself contributing heavily to Minnesota’s success. Of the seven games played in January, his efficiency rate from the field is 57%. The league average is 47%.
Reid’s next highest efficiency month? 47% in November. He’s got it going as the All-Star break nears.
His ability to be a mismatch for opposing big men as an inside-and-out player has always made him an offensive threat. Reid has made 57% of his 3-point shots this month. There isn’t a matchup on the floor that can hang with him most nights.
Reid avoids mid-range looks, but he doesn’t just settle for threes. He can attack closeouts and finish around the rim in a way that’s singular for centers.
While Karl-Anthony Towns took a similar approach throughout his nine seasons with the Wolves, Reid is finishing with either hand from a variety of angles. It’s what earned him the nickname “Big Jelly,” and Wolves fans have seen him earn it since Day 1.
Reid’s contributions on an otherwise unproductive bench have been vital. Although he earns the bulk of Minnesota’s bench minutes, Reid shares bench minutes with Mike Conley, Jaylen Clark, and Bones Hyland.
Of that group that finalizes Chris Finch’s nine-man rotation, Reid must make a meaningful impact for the Wolves to navigate the season with some new faces. Halfway through, he has answered the call and is stepping up in new ways.
The Wolves have used Reid in many of their best lineups this season. His versatility allows him to thrive with every player in the rotation. Not only do Minnesota’s best offensive lineups involve Reid, but the best defensive lineups also involve him.
Naz Reid plays 27 minutes a night and hasn’t missed a game this season. Still, the fact that he’s a common figure in these lineups indicates how important he has been to Minnesota’s growth this season.
One word that hasn’t always been synonymous with Reid is leadership. But he’s taken responsibility for guiding the influx of young talent the Wolves have drafted and showing them what it takes to be an effective player.
Reid was once in their position, learning from veterans like Towns, Andrew Wiggins, and D’Angelo Russell. But now, he’s passing along the knowledge he has gained over the course of his seven years in the NBA.
Reid’s been transparent to the media about what a young player’s adaptation process to the league is like. Guys like Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr., and Joan Beringer are going through that process right now, and Reid has been there to ensure they do the right things.
Beringer earned meaningful minutes against the Milwaukee Bucks when Rudy Gobert missed Tuesday’s game due to a suspension. The rookie had success, finishing the game 6 of 7 from the field with 13 points and 6 rebounds. During a dead-ball situation, Reid approached him to offer what looked like words of encouragement.
For years, Reid’s legion of fans wanted him to be in the starting lineup for this team. It even looked like Reid might leave in free agency to start for another team. But Reid stayed, and it’s his selfless nature and exciting style of play that have made him such a fan favorite in Minnesota.
Conley, an 18-year veteran, praised Reid, Anthony Edwards, and Jaden McDaniels for growing into leadership roles this season.
“You got to hope that the guys are learning from you,” Conley said. “To see them handle issues on their own and mature takes a lot of pressure off us as the older guys. I’m happy to see them take ownership of this team.”
According to FanDuel, Reid is the favorite to win his second Sixth Man of the Year award this season. We’re only halfway through the season, but what the New Jersey native has been able to do over the last month has been nothing short of impressive.
If he maintains his efficiency, not only should Naz Reid win the award, but he will also put the Wolves in serious contention for the ultimate award. The one Reid surely prioritizes – an NBA championship.