Naz Reid Balances Scoring Volatility With Improved All-Around Play

The Timberwolves' sixth man is making an impact even when his shot isn't falling.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:05pm

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Even as his scoring numbers have dipped in recent weeks, Naz Reid is finding other ways to contribute for the Timberwolves. The 26-year-old big man is posting career-best averages in rebounds, assists, and steals, while also maintaining his durability by missing just three games this season.

Why it matters

Reid's well-rounded play has helped the Timberwolves weather injuries to key players like Anthony Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him a valuable sixth man and potential Sixth Man of the Year candidate for the third straight season.

The details

After being named Sixth Man of the Year in 2023-24 and finishing fifth in voting last season, Reid is in the running for the award again this year. While his scoring and shooting numbers have dipped since February, the undrafted big man is averaging career-highs in rebounds (6.3), assists (2.3), and steals (1.0) in fewer minutes per game than his Sixth Man campaign.

  • Naz Reid has only missed 3 games this season, the same amount he missed in the previous two years combined.
  • Reid's 138 'stocks' (steals plus blocks) through 70 games is already a career-high, despite him having three earlier seasons where he played more than 70 contests.

The players

Naz Reid

A 26-year-old big man who has emerged as one of the best bench players in the NBA, winning Sixth Man of the Year in 2023-24 and finishing fifth in voting last season.

Bones Hyland

An ascending player who has helped provide scoring punch off the Timberwolves' bench alongside Reid.

Ayo Dosunmu

A player the Timberwolves acquired to bolster their bench, and who they recently re-added after a buyout.

Kyle Anderson

A veteran forward the Timberwolves re-added after a buyout, providing additional depth to their roster.

Anthony Edwards

The Timberwolves' star player who will miss Saturday's game against the Pistons due to injury.

Jaden McDaniels

A key Timberwolves player who will also miss Saturday's game against the Pistons due to injury.

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What’s next

With several key Timberwolves players out, Saturday's game against the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons could be an ideal opportunity for Naz Reid to have one of his higher-scoring outings since February.

The takeaway

Naz Reid's ability to impact the game in multiple ways, even when his shot isn't falling, has made him a valuable sixth man for the Timberwolves. His well-rounded play has helped the team weather injuries to key players, and he remains a leading candidate for Sixth Man of the Year.