Where did Naz Reid go to college? How Timberwolves bench star went from undrafted to NBA Sixth Man of the Year

Kyle Irving

Where did Naz Reid go to college? How Timberwolves bench star went from undrafted to NBA Sixth Man of the Year image

Naz Reid has not only become a Timberwolves' fan favorite, but he's also one of the most impactful bench players in the NBA.

The 6-9 forward has turned into a Minnesota legend. Supporters are tattooing his name on their body. The team held a "Naz Reid" night during the regular season, giving away towels that simply just say his full name.

He felt the city's love so much that it played a role in him returning to the Timberwolves on a three-year, $42 million deal this past offseason.

That decision immediately paid off, as the big man averaged 13.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.9 blocks, and 0.8 steals per game to earn 2024 NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors.

Reid continues to make his presence felt off the bench, playing big minutes for a Timberwolves team that is Western Conference Finals bound for the first time since 2004.

But where did Reid's ascension come from? The Sporting News takes a closer look below.

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Where did Naz Reid go to college?

Even though he went undrafted, Reid was always projected to be an NBA-level player.

Known as "Big Jelly" in high school for his viral athletic layup package, Reid was one of the most highly touted recruits in the country. He was a McDonald's All-American, a five-star prospect, the No. 22-ranked player in the country, and the top-ranked player in New Jersey, according to 247Sports.

Reid committed to LSU over 14 other high-major Division-I offers, headlined by Arizona, Kansas, Maryland, UCLA, and Villanova.

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Naz Reid college stats

Reid only played one season at LSU, but he posted impressive numbers as a freshman.

Reid started in 32 out of 34 games, earning All-SEC Freshman honors and helping the Tigers reach the Sweet 16.  He averaged 12.3 points and 7.7 rebounds over three NCAA Tournament appearances.

You can find Reid's LSU stats from the 2018-19 season below.

 2018-19
GP (GS)34 (32)
MPG27.2
FG%46.8
3P%33.3
FT%72.7
RPG7.2
APG0.9
SPG0.7
BPG0.7
PPG13.6

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Naz Reid college scouting report

Reid went undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft. He was notably a little out of shape coming out of his freshman season, and there were questions about his motor.

NBADraft.net's Evan Tomest wrote this of Reid's weaknesses in their prospect profile:

"Needs to improve consistency … Motor comes and goes … Coasts at times and plays content … There aren’t many players who can contain Reid in the paint at the high school level, but he doesn’t always assert himself down low … Settles for shots on the perimeter, even when his team is trying to get back into the game … Can be turnover prone …  Good mobility and fluidity but not incredibly explosive … Rarely sprints up the court, tends to go at his own pace."

The scouting report did harp on his scoring skills and offensive versatility, though.

"Soft touch around the basket ... Very good footwork on the perimeter and low block. Handles well on the move for his size. Can put the ball on the floor, changes directions, and shakes his man ... Brings an inside out offensive presence. ... Naturally gifted and talented. Makes plays you don’t often see from a player his size at any level."

He was also compared to Anthony Mason — a player comp that aged pretty well.

It is kind of surprising Reid didn't garner more attention as an NBA prospect. He was a five-star high school prospect and a 6-9 big man who could handle the ball and score like a wing, but hindsight is always 20-20.

Kyle Irving

Kyle Irving Photo

You read that wrong – not Kyrie Irving. From Boston, graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Sixth season as a content producer for NBA.com's Global editions. Covering the NBA Draft has become his annual "dream come true" moment on the job. Irving has a soft spot for pass-first point guards, with Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash being two of his favorite players of all time.