Naz Reid's journey to NBA success is a testament to hard work, dedication, and a winning personality. His story is not just about basketball; it's about personal transformation, connecting with fans, and embracing a city. From going undrafted to becoming a cult figure in Minnesota and the NBA Sixth Man of the Year, Reid's rise is an inspiring tale.
Early Life and High School Career
Nazreon Hilton Reid was born on August 26, 1999, and grew up in Asbury Park, New Jersey, with his mother, Anashia, and sisters Toraya and Jakahya. He attended Roselle Catholic High School, where he averaged 14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game during his senior season. Reid's performance earned him an invitation to the 2018 McDonald's All-American Boys Game, where he scored 15 points and had 11 rebounds. He also scored 22 points in the NJSIAA Tournament of Champions, leading Roselle Catholic to victory. During his high school career, he was a member of the Jelly Fam, an internet movement known for wild finger roll layups.
College Career
Reid committed to Louisiana State University (LSU) and made his college debut on November 6, 2018, scoring 17 points and grabbing 6 rebounds in a win over Southeastern Louisiana University. Just three days later he scored a season-high 29 points. Throughout his freshman season, Reid averaged 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. After one season, he declared for the 2019 NBA draft.
Undrafted to Timberwolves: The Weight Loss Journey
Reid went undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft, primarily due to concerns about his weight and conditioning. However, the Minnesota Timberwolves saw potential and signed him on July 5, 2019, to a two-way contract. This meant he would split time between the Timberwolves and their NBA G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves.
Reid realized he needed to change his approach to succeed in the NBA. "Everybody was blowing by me," Reid said. "I mean, I had game obviously, but talent can only take you so far. You can’t really move if your lateral movement isn’t that good. Things like that." He committed himself to improving his body and his game. He could hardly jump that first Summer League. Now, he’s nimble on his feet.
Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL
He worked tirelessly to improve his skills and prove himself. The transformation has been remarkable, and he has now a valuable player off the bench. Sports fans cherish an underdog success story.
The Timberwolves' staff helped Reid with methods like band work, and he spent time with trainers in Miami during the offseason. He entered training camp at a lean 237 pounds, down more than 30 pounds from his initial weight. "I’m moving better. Jumping off the floor faster. I just feel way better. I don’t want to change anything. Like, I just feel amazing. That’s all I can say about it,” Reid said. “The way that I am, the body fat that I have. I feel amazing. It’s no ifs, ands, buts or hows."
NBA Career and Development
In July 2019, Reid signed a two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team quickly recognized his potential and upgraded his contract to a four-year deal just two weeks later.
Each year brought substantial improvement. As a rookie, the “Big Jelly” sobriquet could just as easily referred to his physique. Each succeeding season, the fat has been burned away and/or been transformed into the rubbery muscle and sinew. The footwork in the paint became terse dance steps.
Reid's commitment to improvement was evident. "Naz’s progress has been great year after year. He’s hard on himself, which is a good thing, but we’re also there to pick him up when things don’t go his way," said Timberwolves point guard Jordan McLaughlin. Reid learned that "everything matters" in the NBA and that he couldn't take any shortcuts.
Read also: Beef jerky: A high-protein option for shedding pounds?
Last season - his second in the NBA - felt like Reid’s rookie campaign. In his true first season, Reid came up from the G-League team in Iowa and eventually started games after Towns went down with his wrist injury. Reid was essentially drinking out of a firehose down the stretch of the season. He was in survival mode. “Things that I’ve never even knew mattered or knew exist in the basketball world. I feel as though every day I’m growing each and every way,” he said. Reid made a large jump as a player from Year 1 to Year 2, and plans to do the same this season. “I’m excited. I can’t wait to get out there and just display all the things I’ve learned this summer and worked on this summer, and continuing to control each and every day,” Reid said. “It’s been a long time coming, 4 to 6 months, and I just can’t wait to get going. I’m really excited. I’m ready to go out there and do what I do best.
On January 2, 2022, Reid scored a season-high 23 points, alongside 11 rebounds, in a 103-108 loss to the Lakers. He was a key reserve on a Timberwolves team that qualified for their first postseason appearance since 2018. On December 16, 2022, during his first start of the season, Reid scored a season-high 28 points and grabbed nine rebounds to help Minnesota to a 112-110 win over the Thunder. On February 1, 2023, he recorded 24 points, 13 rebounds and four assists in a 119-114 overtime win over the Golden State Warriors. On March 29, during a 107-100 loss to the Phoenix Suns, Reid suffered a left wrist injury in the fourth quarter.
Fan Favorite and "Naz-aissance"
Naz Reid has become a cult favorite among some Timberwolves fans. His connection with the fans is personal and authentic. "Nobody says a bad word about Naz Reid," said Mary Baue Little, a season-ticket holder. "Everybody just loves him."
"It's like the 'Peace be with you and also with you' [greeting]," Alamat said. "It's a religious experience."
Alamat, who hosts a Wolves-related podcast, described this lovefest as a "Naz-aissance." "It's such a uniquely Minnesotan thing," he said.
Read also: Inspiring Health Transformation
Fans appreciate Reid's hustle, his unselfishness, and his entertaining style of play. "He's the people's player because he doesn't expect a lot of accolades," Little said.
Reid's commitment to Minnesota has also endeared him to the fans. He turned down the potential of more money and playing time to re-sign with the Wolves. He said he didn't want to be anywhere else but here. His popularity couldn't have shot up any higher if he shouted you betcha as he signed the paperwork.
“His name is no longer just a name. At a March 22, 2024 game, the Timberwolves gave away beach towels emblazoned with his name-they would later sell for more than $100 on eBay.[4] During their 2024 playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, a tattoo artist in Roseville offered $20 tattoos of his name. Over 200 people took him up on it.[31] Later that month, a local pizzeria went viral for their “Honk if you love Naz Reid” sign."
Impact on the Timberwolves
Reid's improved conditioning and skills have made him a valuable asset to the Timberwolves. His ability to play alongside both Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert has given the team flexibility and versatility.
Last season, the Wolves scored 4.2 fewer points per 100 possessions than they allowed when Naz was on the court. When he was paired with Ant, the net rating was better, just 0.9 points fewer scored than allowed over 807 minutes. This season, Naz has flourished alongside both partners. In 777 minutes with Ant, the net rating is a gaudy 15.6 more points scored than allowed, owing to a 5.5 jump in points scored per 100 possessions and an 11 point decrease in points allowed. With Gobert, the improved chemistry is even more spectacular. In 585 minutes together, the Naz-Gobert tandem rivals the goodness of the Naz-Ant tandem at 15.5 more points scored than allowed. That’s a whopping 28.2 point swing over the net rating of a year ago. Their offensive productivity together has increased by 9.7 points per 100 possessions.
2023-24 Season and Sixth Man of the Year Award
Reid made 80 appearances (17 starts) for Minnesota during the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. His stellar performance earned him the 2023-24 Kia NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award.
Personal Life and Tragedy
Reid's older sister, Toraya, was fatally shot outside of an apartment complex in Jackson Township, New Jersey, on September 6, 2025, at the age of 28.