For the last eight games in a row, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been without the services of Rudy Gobert. Dealing with lower back pain, the Wolves' starting center has been out since before the All-Star break. In his place, Naz Reid has been starting at the five.
Reid obviously brings a completely different dynamic to the court than the defensive-minded Gobert. His unique talents with the ball in his hands and floor-spacing ability have been very helpful for Minnesota's offense, but there is a different skill he possesses that Chris Finch feels has been a game-changer.
Ahead of the Timberwolves' matchup with the Charlotte Hornets, I asked Finch about what he has been most pleased with from Reid in Gobert's absence, and his answer was Naz's rebounding.
Finch told me he has been pleased with Naz Reid’s rebounding since Gobert has been sidelined.
— Will Eudy (@WillCEudy) March 5, 2025
Reid is averaging 10.3 rebounds in his last 8 games, since Rudy left the lineup. pic.twitter.com/lXT4pPExhp
Finch: Reid's rebounding has been huge
"He's rebounded at a high level," said Finch. "That's probably been the thing that we've desperately needed in his absence, and he's filled that gap." If we look at just the raw numbers, we can see that his words are true. Reid has averaged 10.3 rebounds over the course of the last eight games, since Gobert was first sidelined.
In that stretch, Naz has recorded games with 14 rebounds, 12 rebounds, and has grabbed 11 rebounds on three separate occasions. He has truly stepped it up in this category, and has been doing it while shouldering a bigger overall role as well.
Follow along on Dunking With Wolves for more live game coverage as the Timberwolves take on the Hornets.