Naz Reid won Sixth Man of the Year in the 2023-24 season. Despite posting career averages of 14.2 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, Reid finished just fifth in 6MOY voting last year. The Wolves fell from the No. 3 to the No. 6 seed, which could have contributed to Reid's slip in 6MOY voting. This past season had a stronger field as well.
Nevertheless, Reid has a strong case as the league's best sixth man, and he could remind the NBA of that this season. Undoubtedly, Reid could win his second Sixth Man of the Year award. In doing so, Reid could remind the NBA that he's the league's best bench player.
Naz Reid's skill set and impact are undeniable
Reid has a rare blend of size, creation, playmaking, and shooting. This makes him one of the most valuable and unique role players. Reid has been the Wolves' third option and leading scorer for the past two seasons. Given this skill set and his importance to the Wolves, Reid has a clear case for the league's best player.
Naz Reid ‘24-25 bag work pic.twitter.com/smBidU9E37
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) June 13, 2025
In his age-26 season, Reid could have another jump in scoring, especially given Nickeil Alexander-Walker's departure in free agency. On a fresh, new five-year $125 million deal, the Wolves' belief in Reid couldn't be clearer.
Playmaking is an aspect of Reid's game that improved a lot last season. Reid's 2.3 assists per game last season exceeded his previous career high of 1.3 assists. Additionally, he posted a career-high assist percentage of 12.6. The Wolves could look to utilize Reid as a playmaker even more this season. With high-level scoring and assist numbers at Reid's size, on a winning team, he has a clear path to winning 6MOY.
While it has never been Reid's forte, the Wolves will be counting on his defense this season, especially if Rudy Gobert's minutes are slightly reduced. If Reid can improve on defense and maintain his stellar offense, it will be hard to deny him another 6MOY award, especially as a lot of bench players struggle defensively.
Naz Reid is among the odds-on Sixth Man of the Year favorites
At +900, Reid has the third shortest odds for Sixth Man of the Year. Reigning Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard is the favorite once again at +350 odds. However, it's possible that Pritchard ends up starting in that case; his teammate Anfernee Simons could be a 6MOY candidate. Even if Pritchard or Simons produces stellar numbers, the Boston Celtics are set to take a step back in the standings, which would hurt either player's case.
De'Andre Hunter, who finished third last year, is the only player above Reid. It's worth noting that Hunter's stats declined after being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, which could hurt his case. Nevertheless, being one of the best bench players on an elite team could help Hunter.
Ty Jerome and Malik Beasley were two other players who finished above Reid in 6MOY voting last season. Now with the Memphis Grizzlies, it's worth wondering if Jerome can replicate his magical 2024-25 campaign. Beasley remains unsigned following a gambling investigation. While Beasley was cleared, with his team being currently unknown, it's hard to make the case for him to win an award.
Ultimately, Reid has a clear case to be the early front-runner for Sixth Man of the Year. If Reid wins his second 6MOY, he would widely be acknowledged as the league's best bench player.