How do you grade these 8 Timberwolves players as preseason winds down?
By Bret Stuter
Standout: C Naz Reid
The growth of backup center Naz Reid appears to be more than just a larger role that he plays on this team. Recent reports have him shooting up to a height of 6-foot-10, which is not surprising. But what is a mild and pleasant surprise is the fact that he seems to be taking to the power forward position like a duck takes to water.
Reid is a huge factor in just how well the Minnesota Timberwolves perform in the 2023-24 NBA season, and from what we have witnessed so far, this is going to be an incredible season for the Timberwolves.
Reid is more than a backup center this season. He is one of the first players off the bench for the Timberwolves this season, is the primary rotational player when either C Rudy Gobert or PF Karl-Anthony Towns head to the bench, and has the onus of putting up points.
In 19 minutes of play against the New York Knicks, he pumped 22 points onto the scoreboard. I believe that is just the tip of the iceberg for Naz Reid this season. He has a track record of a high work ethic, and he loves to mix it up under the basket.
While it feels disingenuous to claim that the Minnesota Timberwolves will only go as far as Naz Reid can take the team this season. But, he will certainly have a strong say in how successful the Timberwolves will be this season.
Preseason Game 3 grade: A-