Amid all the (understandable) excitement about LaMelo Ball's fit with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Naz Reid will be sorely missed by Wolves fans. Going from an undrafted player to a Sixth Man of the Year winner with a unique skill set made him the ultimate fan favorite. Without a doubt, Timberwolves fans will miss Reid.
At the same time, for a young Charlotte Hornets team that needs some extra big man depth, Reid should be a picture-perfect fit. In addition to the basketball advantages of having a skilled power forward, Reid's leadership and playoff experience can help the Hornets.
During a recent interview with the Charlotte Observer, Reid spoke to this.
“As me being the leader or one of the oldest guys, kind of knowing what playoff experience feels like and knowing what that environment is like and knowing what it is like, or knowing how it feels for a state to embrace you, let alone at the highest level,” Reid said. “So, I think just being able to put my head down, going to work, and obviously leading by example, not just by words. Like I said before, can’t ask someone to do one thing if you’re not doing your responsibility. So I think you’ll see a lot of me embracing my role and understanding what it takes to win. And understanding how to bring a team or a couple guys along as well."
Naz Reid can help the Hornets make a playoff leap (at some point)
Look, all things considered, I think the Wolves won the trade. LaMelo is the best player; he fills a position of need, and the picks they traded aren't that valuable. However, Reid is a super impactful player who could reach another level. He is an ideal fit in the Hornets' 3-point-centric system. This, paired with his leadership, could significantly help the Hornets.
Charlotte has the longest active playoff drought in the NBA, last making the playoffs in 2016. Granted, the Hornets' culture has improved immensely under head coach Charles Lee, and they were one game away from making the playoffs this past season. Still, they need someone with playoff experience who can help this young team make a leap.
Reid was a key part of the Timberwolves transforming from a laughing stock to a perennial playoff threat. During his first season, the Wolves won 19 games; by his fifth season, they made the conference finals. He knows what it takes to help a team transform, and that should benefit the Hornets.
Surely, Reid can help young players such as Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel sharpen up their habits and prepare for the playoffs. Having this experience from one of your best players, not just a veteran on the bench, is invaluable for a young team trying to level up.
If and when the Hornets return to the playoffs with Reid, he will deserve a lot of credit for his role, and he'll ensure that the team is ready for the moment.
Reid was, in many ways, the heart and soul of the Timberwolves. In addition to being beloved by the Wolves fan base, Reid was a beloved teammate, which makes him an ideal leader for this Hornets team.
While the Hornets could take a step back without LaMelo, Reid's experience contributing to winning basketball could benefit the team as they build toward a playoff run (at some point).
Overall, Reid's tenure with the Timberwolves prepared him for this leadership role with the Hornets, and he should help the team across the board.
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