Naz Reid aspires to clinch the Sixth Man of the Year title

Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid has orchestrated his most impressive season to date, aspiring to clinch the title of Sixth Man of the Year, buoyed by both his personal performance and the team's success. Initially, the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award appears straightforward, designated for the league's most impactful bench player. However, recent scrutiny has blurred the definition of the "sixth man." The sole guideline is that the player starts fewer games than they come off the bench, yet where this distinction lies practically remains ambiguous.

In 77 games, Reid has maintained an average of 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds, with the majority of his appearances (65) as a reserve for the Minnesota team. Notably, he has achieved a career-high shooting percentage of 41.8% on 5.1 three-point attempts per game.

Last season's contest between Malcolm Brogdon and Immanuel Quickley epitomizes this debate. Brogdon didn't start a single game, while Quickley began 21 matches, including pivotal ones that tilted the favor in his direction. Now in his fifth NBA season, Reid finds himself in the sixth man role once more, vigorously vying for the league's top reserve honor with the Minnesota Timberwolves boasting a record of 54-24. His campaign received a significant boost on Sunday evening in Los Angeles, where he delivered a stellar performance, amassing 31 points and 11 rebounds in a 127-117 triumph over the Lakers, propelling the Wolves to the summit of the Western Conference.




The Timberwolves have maintained a strong 10-5 record since Towns, one of Minnesota's two All-Star players this season, suffered a torn meniscus. Prior to their victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, Reid had been in the starting lineup for 11 games during Towns' absence, showcasing impressive averages of over 18 points and seven rebounds per game. Despite Towns' absence, the Timberwolves have managed to remain competitive, largely due to Reid's adept replication of Towns' skill set. Towns often asserts himself as the premier shooting big man in NBA history, and this season, their shooting statistics are strikingly similar, with Towns hitting 42.3% of his 3-point attempts and Reid close behind at 41.8%. Additionally, on a per-minute basis, Reid is both attempting and converting more shots from beyond the arc.

Minnesota's successful strategy hinges on dominating opponents with size while still maintaining spacing, particularly from the power forward position. Few players in the league possess the versatility that Reid offers, effectively fulfilling both requirements. His presence on the team roster could potentially determine whether the Timberwolves secure the top seed or settle for third place. Bookmakers have taken notice of Reid's contributions, as he has risen in the Sixth Man of the Year race, closing the gap with favorite Malik Monk, largely due to his impactful performances as a starter.

Source RealGM : Naz Reid Wants To Win Sixth Man Of The Year
Source CBS Sports : Naz Reid's stint as a starter might be what swings the Sixth Man of the Year race in his favor
Source The Athletic : Naz Reid's pursuit of NBA Sixth Man honor began in a New Jersey high school