4 Timberwolves worth watching after 3 preseason games

Player IV: Naz Reid

One of the first players to catch the eye is their backup center, Naz Reid.  While he is entering only his fourth season for the Timberwolves, he has quietly improved his game each season. Of course, it would have been nice if he had developed quickly enough to show up big in the Minnesota Timberwolves playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies last year. But we can chalk that up to valuable experience.

It was clear that Reid needed to up his game on many levels, and the opportunity to work with All-Star center Rudy Gobert should do wonders to hone his defensive strategy this season. Of course, as all of that occurs, the Timberwolves hope that his development improves his ability to rebound and box out opponents to ensure optimal rebounds.

A defender with an improved shot selection

But where Reid has really been showing up in preseason games so far is on the offensive side of the basketball court. He averaged just 8.3 points per game last season, and just 4.8 points per game in the playoffs.  So far this preseason, he is averaging better than 12 points per game.

Reid has always been better on the defensive end of the basketball court. But if he suddenly shows some scoring too? That could go a long way in elevating the Timberwolves from a good/very good team to an elite team rather quickly.

Reid has even been scoring from the perimeter, sinking three of nine from three-point range. While that may not be his bread-and-butter shot in the season, it’s a sign that he is working to develop a complete shot arsenal. That is what the Timberwolves need from him now.