Often, overreactions are made regarding NBA players after just a couple of games have been played. Sometimes, those overreactions prove to be true. Other times, they can be laughed at because they end up being truly ridiculous. Normally, at least a handful of games are needed before constructing an accurate portrayal of how a player is performing,
So, Naz Reid getting off to a slow start shouldn’t lead to people saying that he got overpaid in the offseason, he needs to be traded, etc. It is something to keep an eye on, though, if it continues for the next few outings. His stellar play over the last couple of seasons is more reason to believe that Reid will turn things around.
Naz Reid off to a slow start through two games
The Timberwolves are off to a 1-1 start. After winning their season opener against the Trail Blazers, they put together a disappointing performance (particularly on defense) against the Lakers on Friday.
In neither of those performances has the 26-year-old Reid made a huge impact. In 20 minutes against Portland, the seventh-year player finished with six points (2-4 from the field), three rebounds, an assist, a steal, and two blocks. Playing 23 minutes against the Lakers, Reid had five points (2-9 from the field), five rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block.
Not the Naz Reid that the fanbase has grown to truly love. Again, though, just two games. A solid performance against Indiana on Sunday could be the start of him looking like the player he has been over the past couple of seasons.
Remains one of the Sixth Man of the Year favorites
It can be argued that Reid has been the most productive reserve player in the league the last two years. He won Sixth Man of the Year in 2023-24 and came in fifth in voting in 2024-25. Many predicted that Reid would again win the award in 2025-26.
Getting off to a slow start hasn’t been commonplace. Last season, he combined for 31 points and 17 rebounds in Minnesota’s first two contests. The previous year, the 6-foot-9 forward/center had 35 points and 12 rebounds in the first two games.
This offseason, Reid quickly re-signed with the Timberwolves on a five-year deal worth $125 million. Chris Finch will continue to give Reid a large role coming off the bench, and odds are, he will get back to his previous heights soon.