Naz Reid discusses bench role for Timberwolves and mentality towards game playing

Minnesota Timberwolves' Naz Reid wins Sixth Man of the Year, makes impact off the bench in series against Denver Nuggets.

Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid has certainly made a name for himself since going undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft. Despite his impressive improvements as an NBA player, Reid has yet to secure a spot in the Timberwolves' starting lineup. This can be attributed to the presence of two towering 7-footers, Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert, holding down the fort in the power forward and center positions.

However, Reid doesn't let this deter him, as he takes great pride in his role coming off the bench for Minnesota. In a recent appearance on JJ Redick's The Old Man and the Three podcast, Reid opened up about his mindset as a bench player. He expressed his appreciation for being able to observe the flow of the game, understand how the referees are officiating, and make a significant impact in various aspects such as scoring, rebounding, and defensive plays.

This season, Reid has been a standout performer for the Timberwolves, averaging career-highs of 13.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. His stellar play earned him the prestigious title of the 2024 NBA Sixth Man of the Year, edging out tough competition like Malik Monk. Despite a slight dip in playing time during the first-round series against the Phoenix Suns, Reid remained determined to elevate his performance for the upcoming matchup against the Denver Nuggets.

In the crucial Game 1 against the Nuggets, Reid showcased his prowess by scoring 14 crucial fourth-quarter points to help secure a victory for Minnesota. His contributions on both ends of the court, alongside teammates like Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert, played a pivotal role in containing the formidable Nikola Jokic, the 2024 NBA MVP. Reid's defensive efforts, combined with his offensive output, have been instrumental in the Timberwolves' success against Denver, leading to a 2-0 series lead.

While stars like Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns have undoubtedly shone brightly in the series, players like Naz Reid, who embrace their roles and excel in them, are the unsung heroes that elevate a team from contenders to champions. Coach Chris Finch attributes part of the Wolves' success against the Nuggets to their familiarity with the opponent and the imposing size advantage they possess.

In conclusion, Naz Reid's journey from being undrafted to becoming a key contributor off the bench for the Timberwolves is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and team-first mentality. As the playoffs progress, Reid's impact on the court will continue to be a vital factor in Minnesota's quest for postseason success.

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