The interiors are not really favored by voters in the history of the title of best 6th man. The latest to have received it was Montrezl Harrell in 2020, and before him, we have to go back to Antawn Jamison… in 2004!
But this year, in direct competition with Malik Monk of the Kings, Naz Reid (13 points, 5 rebounds) has a real card to play, with career records in points, rebounds and 3-point skill.
Comfortable in all roles
Above all, he helps his team win, he who has returned to the starting position since the injury to Karl-Anthony Towns. It's quite simple: since his tenure on March 16, he has averaged more than 19 points and the Wolves have won all their matches with him (he was injured for the loss against Denver).
“I think that victories must be taken into account [dans le vote] »abounds Naz Reid in The Athletic. “The most important thing is obviously the impact of the player on his team, but that is reflected in the success of the team and the position for the playoffs. I hope this will weigh in my favor. »
Knowing that the Wolves have reached the important plateau of 50 victories over the season, for the fifth time in the history of the franchise (which is 35 years old), ambitions are high in Minnesota. And why not for Naz Reid, snubbed during the 2019 Draft, who would see his career recognized by the general public?
“He has a great story here. The way it has transformed since its beginnings, says Chris Finch. “He has continued to improve every year and he now plays with so much confidence and energy. Whether he is a starter or a substitute, his teammates love him because he is so talented. »
Not just a shooter
Like against the Pistons the other night, where he finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds (plus 4 assists), perfect in the first quarter with 10 points on 5/7 shooting to reassure his team, Naz Reid proves night after night that He can just as easily come off the bench and contribute from the start, but also play the starters. And to ensure!
“His defense has gotten even stronger. His rebounds too,” continues Chris Finch. “It’s really nice to see him constantly progressing. A real pleasure. »
Sharper physically and more consistent than ever in shooting from distance, Naz Reid has become a major pawn on the Wolves chessboard. A character brought to a central role in the next playoffs.
“He kills us every time, he’s a Warrior killer!” »smiled – yellow – Steve Kerr, after a 20-point, 12-rebound game from Naz Reid last Sunday. “He had so many good games against us. The spacing he brings to his position complicates things a lot! »
| Naz Reid | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2019-20 | MIN | 30 | 17 | 41.2 | 33.0 | 69.8 | 1.1 | 3.0 | 4.1 | 1.2 | 2.8 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 9.0 |
| 2020-21 | MIN | 70 | 19 | 52.3 | 35.1 | 69.3 | 1.2 | 3.4 | 4.6 | 1.0 | 2.6 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 11.2 |
| 2021-22 | MIN | 77 | 16 | 48.9 | 34.3 | 76.5 | 1.3 | 2.6 | 3.9 | 0.9 | 2.2 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 8.3 |
| 2022-23 | MIN | 68 | 18 | 53.7 | 34.6 | 67.7 | 1.1 | 3.8 | 4.9 | 1.1 | 2.6 | 0.6 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 11.5 |
| 2023-24 | MIN | 70 | 24 | 48.4 | 42.1 | 75.6 | 1.0 | 4.1 | 5.1 | 1.2 | 2.1 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 13.1 |
| Total | 315 | 19 | 49.9 | 37.0 | 72.0 | 1.1 | 3.4 | 4.6 | 1.1 | 2.4 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 10.8 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
