Minnesota Timberwolves big man Naz Reid broke out onto the scene in a big way last season.
Then 23 years old, Reid scored in double-figures in 40 games and recorded at least one block in 35 games. After the 2023 All-Star Break, he averaged 16.1 points per game on 38.7 percent shooting from 3. This led to Reid, who went undrafted in 2019, being offered a three-year, $42 million contract extension.
A year later Reid is still turning heads. Stepping up in place of the injured Karl-Anthony Towns, Reid’s averaged 19.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.2 stocks per game, starting in six of nine contests. His recent play is sparking conversation about his Sixth Man of the Year candidacy, with the New Jersey native even being asked directly what he thinks of winning the award.
“I think winning should reflect in that as well. Obviously, you have the bigger impact and things like that, that goes toward a winning record and higher seed in the playoffs. So in my opinion, I think it should go into that.”
“That would be huge,” Reid says, per Dane Moore of The Dane Moore Podcast. “It’s something obviously I’m pushing for. But winning comes first, obviously. But I would definitely love to have that accolade under my belt…”
Naz Reid Reveals Sixth Man of the Year Aspirations
Aside from Rookie of the Year, there isn’t a clear-cut favorite for this season’s NBA Awards, a stark contrast from past seasons. As a result, many award races figure to come down to the wire, every game factoring into the eventual decision.
MVP Award Projections
The MVP race may be more akin to a royal rumble.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic appear to be in a two-man race. However, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo may be overlooked as he’s kept his team flying steadily in turbulent times. Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic is another candidate.
MIP Award Projections
The Most Improved Player race is no easier to predict.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey, Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas, Chicago Bulls guard Coby White, and Golden State Warriors guard Jonathan Kuminga have all heard their names mentioned as candidates. Maxey has been the favorite since the beginning of the season. Still, his competitors aren’t letting him run away with the award.
DPOY Award Projections
The Defensive Player of the Year Award race has been hotly contested as well.
Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert is projected to win for a fourth time. However, rookie centers Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren are also vying for the honor. Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis looms as a legitimate candidate himself.
6MOY Award Projections
So when it comes to the Sixth Man of the Year award, there should be no delusions of a guaranteed winner.
Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk has garnered significant support with his clutch performances. Atlanta Hawks wing Bogdan Bogdanovic and Mavericks wing Tim Hardaway Jr. both shoot over 36 percent from 3 while averaging at least 15 points per game. Los Angeles Clippers wing Norman Powell has been one of the most consistent and productive players off the bench at both ends.
Aggressive and alert offensively and defensively, Reid also has a shot. Regardless of whether Reid is successful in his endeavor, his play these last two seasons has helped cement his standing as one of the league’s better players.
