7 reasons why the Minnesota Timberwolves had to re-sign Naz Reid

VII: Naz Reid earned an extension with solid play

When push comes to shove, it is quite clear that Naz Reid was a very improved player during the 2022-23 NBA season, and his production did not wane when he was pushed into a starting role. In fact, it was the bench that seemed to suffer the most without Naz Reid to spark the offense.

Some NBA players simply get the benefit of the doubt. Whether it’s due to a glowing draft profile or simply getting selected with a lottery pick in the NBA Draft, some players are given multiple chances to make something happen. But when you take a path like that of Naz Reid, never being drafted, putting in all the work simply to land a Two-Way contract, you cannot slip. Any regression is reason enough to cut that player loose and start over with a new young player.

Back to the beginning

Naz Reid’s latest press conference about his contract extension was held at the same Boys & Girls Club where he held his rookie press conference. So fitting, isn’t it?

Four years ago, the journey for Naz Reid and his fledgling NBA career began. To some, that’s a blink of an eye. But for Naz Reid, the basketball player who had to train harder, play harder, and develop faster than the rest, that’s a long journey.

But it was also a great deal of pressure. Four years without regression. Four years where performance had to get better on the basketball court each time out. Not even the top basketball players in the NBA are ‘on,’ each and every night. But for Naz Reid, his hard work and grueling hours in the gym were their own reward.  Good things happen on their own time. He kept at it.