Naz Reid perfectly explains his new role for this season

After signing a new five-year $125 million contract this summer, it's fair to expect some level of change for Minnesota Timberwolves fan favorite Naz Reid. Now that doesn't mean that Reid will take Rudy Gobert's spot in the starting lineup. However, the Wolves may look to lean on Reid more, and it's possible he gets more responsibilities. 

This could result in Reid getting more duties as a self-creator and playmaker. Additionally, Reid seems primed to take on more of an active leadership role, especially with the influx of young talent on the Wolves bench. During media availability, Reid recently opened up about taking on a more active leadership role. 

"I'll probably be in with the younger guys, so I gotta kinda quarterback, become the vet in those situations... It's kind of becoming the teacher. I once was the student," Reid said. 

Reid went on to mention this new role is a blend of leadership, scoring, and having the ball in his hands, but for the most part it's leadership.

The 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year winner has long been the Wolves' most important player off the bench. Now, with Terrence Shannon Jr., Rob Dillingham, and Jaylen Clark all getting bigger roles off the bench, Reid's leadership will also be vital. Minnesota is counting on Reid to help the younger players as a vocal leader and set them up as a playmaker.

Naz Reid's leadership will be key this season

Reid, who has been on the team since 2019, is the longest-tenured Timberwolves player. The Wolves still have more experienced veterans, including Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert. However, Reid's experience with the team and impressive career make him a clear leader.

In past teams, the Wolves had more leadership off the bench. Last year; they had Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and the year before that they had Kyle Anderson as well. Reid, along with Donte DiVincenzo, are the clear leaders of the Wolves' second unit, and they will be key in guiding some of the younger players. At 26, Reid is entering his true prime, and he is now in his seventh season with the Wolves. As a result, empowering him as a leader makes sense, and it's something that could be beneficial for everyone.

The LSU product is coming off a season where he averaged a career-high 14.2 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. Reid's rare blend of size and three-level scoring makes him one of the best role players in the league. It's possible the Wolves will lean into Reid's growing playmaking with second-unit lineups, especially given Shannon's and Dillingham's scoring prowess.

Even if he plays a similar role, Reid helping the young Wolves find their spots on both ends of the court will be crucial. Overall, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about Reid this season, and him sliding into a more active leadership role will be something to watch.