Naz Reid got paid this summer. That's good, of course, and I am always a proponent of players getting their bags. Reid's deal — 5-year, $125 million — was a fair one for the 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year, and a vote of confidence that he will continue to play at a high level (or even higher level) as he enters his late 20s.
But that vote of confidence also comes with an added level of pressure; not pressure to be a different player than he was before, but pressure to consistently be the most productive version of the energy-bringing, 3-point making, hellacious defense-playing big man he has been in previous years.
And with Anthony Edwards now sidelined for at least a few weeks, Reid immediately has a chance to quiet the detractors of his lucrative contract extension — or, if things go poorly, to make them even louder. The first option sounds better, I think. And more likely.
Naz Reid has a chance to show Timberwolves he can be relied on
Reid got a considerable payday for someone who has never averaged over 28 minutes per game; I'll admit that! But a big part of Reid's value to this team is how well he fits on this team, specifically. Now he has a chance to show that he's not just a "good fit," and that $25 million is closer to a bargain than an overpay for the value he brings.
With Anthony Edwards out, the Wolves are going to lean heavily on Julius Randle to be their offensive engine. But Reid might be the second-in-command, and consistent offensive output while Ant is injured will help the Wolves stay afloat. Inconsistent offensive output, though, could sink them, and Reid will be more in the spotlight, one way or another.
In the very early going this year, Naz Reid has been shaky more often than he's been solid. He's scored under 10 points in three of the Wolves' five games thus far. But if we take hot starts with a grain of salt, we must take slow starts with a grain, as well. Reid can, and should, get back on track quickly. With the Wolves best player not in the fold at the moment, he sort of has to.