2 Obvious, 2 subtle moves Chris Finch must make to turn the Wolves into title favorites
By Austin McGee
Obvious: Increase Naz Reid's minutes
Give the man his minutes! Minnesota fan-favorite Naz Reid has been an essential piece of the Wolves' bench and should be receiving, at minimum, 30 minutes per game. On the season, he's averaging 12.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 0.9 blocks, and 2.0 threes in just 23.5 minutes of action.
On a per-36-minute basis, Reid is a near-20-point scorer who knocks down three 3-pointers per game. If not for perhaps the best frontcourt in the NBA, the backup big would certainly receive extended time on the floor.
Reid doesn't commit too many fouls (only 3.2 per 36 minutes) nor too many turnovers (1.9 on the 36-minute scale). And although he's known for the scoring punch he provides, he's no slouch defensively. At 6-foot-9 and 264 pounds, he can hold his own against the biggest centers and stay in front of most forwards due to his nimble feet.
Reid's opponents shoot 3.0 percent worse when he's the primary defender. In the paint, the LSU product's opponents shoot it at an even worse minus 7.0 percent compared to their season average. Reid's on/off splits also display his usefulness on the less glamorous end.
Minnesota allows 2.9 points less per 100 possessions when Reid is on the floor compared to when he's off. He has the defensive chops to play heavy minutes and will likely assume a big-time role down the stretch.
In the four games since Towns went down with a meniscus injury, Reid has averaged 30.5 minutes and 19.5 points per game. While he may not open games, he'll likely be on the court in the closing minutes.