Naz Reid has been battling a nagging shoulder injury, which has limited his production. After reaggravating this injury, Reid averaged 11.6 points while hitting 25.8 percent of his 3s in the final 20 games of the regular season. Reid's shooting woes have continued in the playoffs, averaging 9.5 points, while shooting 28.6 percent from beyond the arc.
Frankly, it's admirable that Naz has gutted it out, and it's a positive sign that the Minnesota Timberwolves are up 3-1 despite his struggles. However, after the heartbreaking injuries of Donte DiVincenzo and Anthony Edwards, it's more important than ever that Reid gets back on track.
On the bright side, Reid's Game 4 was his best showing of the playoffs. He recorded 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and two stocks en route to a gutsy Wolves win. Reid's shot just 1-for-5 from beyond the arc, but he found other ways to impact the game.
The Wolves are just one win away from sending the Denver Nuggets to Cancun. To maximize their chances of doing so, the Wolves will need Reid to be on his A-game. Nevertheless, the true importance of Reid returning to form will be seen should the Wolves advance to the second-round.
Reid's impact will be crucial without Edwards and DiVincenzo
As the Wolves are now without their two best shooters, they'll be counting on Reid's spot-up shooting to improve. During Edwards' six-game absence in the regular season, the Wolves went 4-2, but they ranked 28th in offensive rating and 27th in 3-point percentage. Reid played in four of these games and netted 21.1 percent from 3-point range.
It couldn't be clearer that the Wolves' offense will be in a tough spot, and Reid's impact will be vital.
Even though it's fair to expect Reid to be used more in spot-up situations with his shoulder injury still hindering him, it might not be feasible for him to buck this trend. Thus, finding other ways to impact the game will be crucial.
If Reid can score inside the paint, make the extra pass, and give it his all on defense, the Wolves might not be completely doomed should his shooting struggles persist. Without a doubt, this would require other players to knock down their 3s, and the Wolves' elite defense to continue.
Still, if Reid can't turn things around from 3-point land, it's worth wondering if the Wolves' lack of shooting will cost them at some point, particularly in a later round. Unfortunately, the answer is likely yes, but if Reid can consistently hit his outside shot, it could be a game-changer for the Wolves' offense, which could ultimately help them sustain their success.
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