On March 22, 2024, the Target Center turned into a sea of beach towels - not because of a playoff win or a buzzer-beater, but thanks to a promotion featuring none other than Naz Reid. Nearly two years later, those towels are still popping up in the crowd like lucky charms, and for Reid, it never gets old.
“No, never. I want more, actually,” Reid said recently, smiling at the thought.
“I appreciate all the love. It’s crazy… we get more, I’ll be grateful.
Obviously, I’m grateful now.”
And he should be. Reid’s journey from undrafted out of LSU to one of the most beloved figures on the Timberwolves roster is the kind of story fans rally behind. The towel might’ve started as a quirky giveaway, but it’s become something bigger - a symbol of how far Reid has come and how deeply he’s connected with the fanbase.
Now, with the Timberwolves rolling out a rebrand, fans are already calling for a throwback towel revival - maybe a “Tree Naz” edition, or even a “Prince Naz” nod. And with Reid playing some of the best basketball of his career, the timing couldn’t be better.
Over his last 10 games, Reid has been on a tear. He’s averaging 14.9 points per game, shooting 47.6% from the field and 38.1% from deep. His 6.4 rebounds per game would mark a career high, and defensively, he’s made a noticeable leap - his 111.1 defensive rating during this stretch is a significant improvement from his season average of 115.0.
But it’s not just the numbers - it’s the consistency. That’s always been the challenge for Reid, a player known for his flashes of brilliance but also for stretches where his impact wanes.
Lately, though, those valleys are fewer and farther between. He’s shot 40% or better in eight of his last ten games.
In seven of those ten, he’s posted a positive net rating and plus-minus. That’s not just solid bench production - that’s winning basketball.
What’s changed? According to Reid, it’s as much mental as it is physical. After a recent win over the Spurs - where he struggled in the third quarter before bouncing back with a strong finish - he opened up about how he’s learning to manage his own expectations.
“It’s been a journey,” he said. “There’s times and situations when I’m frustrated with myself. But if I get frustrated, then I take myself out of the game, so I kind of learned from experience.”
That kind of self-awareness is something you hear from seasoned vets, not players still in their twenties. But Reid, now in his seventh NBA season, is stepping into that leadership role - and not just by example. He’s actively trying to pass those lessons on to younger teammates.
“Just trying to be a perfectionist - like, I tried to make sure I’m perfect,” he said, reflecting on his earlier years in the league. “And that’s not the way to be at this level.
In my seventh year, I kind of got away from that. But in my fourth, fifth, sixth year, I was like, ‘I gotta be perfect.’
And now it’s like… it’s good.”
That shift - from chasing perfection to embracing growth - is paying off. And it’s not just helping Reid; it’s helping the Timberwolves' bench become a real asset.
When Reid is locked in, Minnesota’s second unit becomes a problem for opposing teams. His ability to stretch the floor, rebound, and defend multiple positions gives the Wolves flexibility and firepower off the bench.
It’s almost easy to forget that Reid wasn’t supposed to be here. No draft night spotlight.
No guaranteed contract. Just a 6-foot-9 big man with a soft shooting touch, a high basketball IQ, and a relentless work ethic.
He earned his spot, then earned his minutes, and now he’s earning the kind of respect that doesn’t come from stats alone - it comes from impact.
So yeah, bring the towels back. Not just for nostalgia, but because Naz Reid isn’t just a feel-good story anymore. He’s a foundational piece of this Timberwolves team - a steadying presence, a leader in the locker room, and a fan favorite whose game is finally matching the love he’s always received.
And if that means another towel night? Well, it sounds like Naz would be more than ready.