Naz Reid continues to shine as one of the NBA's premier bench players, proving his mettle for the third consecutive season. At 26, Reid has already bagged the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2023-24 and finished fifth last season. This year, he’s once again a strong contender for the honor.
Reid's offensive versatility is a key part of his game, allowing him to score both inside and out. But what's really catching attention this season is his all-around performance. In his seventh NBA season, Reid is posting career-best numbers in several categories beyond scoring.
Despite a slight dip in scoring since February, Reid remains a pivotal player for the Timberwolves, missing only three games this season-matching his total absences over the past two years. His ability to impact the game beyond just points has been crucial, as demonstrated by his career-high averages of 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. Remarkably, he's achieving these stats without logging career-high minutes, having played 1.4 more per game last season.
Reid's defensive contributions are noteworthy too. With 138 combined steals and blocks ("stocks") over 70 games, he's already surpassed his previous best of 136 stocks from his award-winning season, despite playing more games back then.
For much of his tenure, Reid carried the bench load for the Timberwolves, especially as they searched for a consistent second unit contributor. However, with the emergence of Bones Hyland and the addition of Ayo Dosunmu, along with Kyle Anderson's return, Reid's role has evolved.
Looking ahead to Saturday, the Timberwolves will need Reid's scoring punch as they face the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons. With key players like Anthony Edwards, Ayo Dosunmu, and Jaden McDaniels sidelined, it could be the perfect stage for Reid to notch his first 20+ point game since February 20.