Naz Reid

Nazreon Hilton Reid (born August 26, 1999) is an American professional basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m) and weighing 264 pounds (120 kg), Reid plays both power forward and center. 

After going undrafted in 2019, Reid has evolved into one of the most versatile big men in the league, winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2024. He is the longest-tenured player on the Timberwolves roster, serving as a cornerstone of the franchise’s frontcourt rotation.

Early Life 

High School Career

Reid was born in Asbury Park, New Jersey, and grew up in a region known for producing elite basketball talent. He attended Roselle Catholic High School, where he became a consensus five-star recruit and a 2018 McDonald’s All-American.

 During his senior year, he averaged 14.8 points and 7.7 rebounds, leading his team to a state championship. Despite his size, Reid was noted for his “guard-like” handle and shooting touch, which drew early comparisons to skilled NBA bigs.

College Career

Reid played one season of college basketball for the LSU Tigers (2018–2019). He averaged 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. He helped LSU to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, recording 29 points and 9 rebounds in a standout performance against Mississippi State during the regular season. Following his freshman campaign, Reid declared for the NBA Draft, though concerns about his conditioning led to him falling out of the draft entirely.

NBA Career

Minnesota Timberwolves (2019–Present)

Reid signed a two-way contract with Minnesota in July 2019, which was quickly converted into a multi-year standard deal after he impressed during the Summer League.

• The Breakthrough (2023–2024): After years of steady improvement, Reid had a career-defining 2023–24 season. Averaging 13.5 points and shooting 41.4% from three-point range, he became the first player in Timberwolves history to win the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award. His ability to fill in for injured starters Karl-Anthony Towns or Rudy Gobert without a drop-off in team production made him a cult hero in Minnesota, often celebrated by the fan-chant “Naz Reid.”
• The $125 Million Extension (2025): On June 27, 2025, following another productive season, Reid and the Timberwolves agreed to a five-year, $125 million contract extension. The deal solidified his role as a “franchise pillar” alongside Anthony Edwards.

2025–26 Season Performance

Through the 2025-26, Reid has maintained his status as the league’s premier bench weapon. He is currently one of only six players in the NBA to have recorded 50+ steals and 50+ blocks this season.

Career Highlights and Awards

• NBA Sixth Man of the Year: 2024
• McDonald’s All-American: 2018
• SEC All-Freshman Team: 2019

External Links

• Naz Reid on NBA.com
• Naz Reid on Basketball-Reference.com