Former (writing former feels weird) Minnesota Timberwolves big man Naz Reid has long been one of the most productive reserves in the league. For just about 24 hours, Reid had finally earned the starting power forward gig with the Wolves, following Julius Randle being traded to the Brooklyn Nets. Then, of course, Reid was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in a deal for LaMelo Ball.
It looked like Reid had a solid path to starting, but Miles Bridges was still standing in his way. That is, until he was traded to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon. Bridges was traded to the Suns along with a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick, for Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale and a 2033 first-round pick.
Now, with Bridges out of town, Reid is officially primed to earn the overdue honor of being a starter.
Naz Reid should thrive in a starting role
Before entering free agency last offseason, Reid admitted he sees himself as a starter (and rightfully so; few bench players have been as productive as Reid). Even though it's with a different team, Wolves fans should be excited to see what Reid looks like with more responsibilities.
It will be interesting to see what Reid does in a scaled-up role. While he was mostly a play-finisher with the Wolves, Reid is comfortable with the ball in his hands and is a great decision-maker. As such, it's possible that Reid reaches another gear with Charlotte.
Trading Reid in a deal for Ball was the right call for Minnesota. Regardless, his presence will be sorely missed as the fan base adored him (and that's a massive understatement).
Wolves will have to enjoy from afar as Reid earns the bigger role he's long been waiting for. And frankly, the Hornets' system is an ideal fit for Reid. Charlotte's offense is built around 3-point shooting and specifically generating open looks by creating advantages. That will play to Reid's strengths nicely.
Given that he's playing in this system and that he's earning a bigger role, it would surprise nobody if Reid exceeded his career-high of 14.2 points per game. If and when this happens, Wolves fans will be following along with smiles on their faces.
Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner aren't elite centers, but both are quality rim protectors, which will be helpful to Reid's defensive fit with the team.
It was always clear that Reid's fit in Charlotte was perfect. However, Bridges being traded all but confirms that he will earn a starting role, and Timberwolves fans should be thrilled to see what he can do in this scaled-up role, even if it's with a different team.
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