From Undrafted to Unstoppable: How Naz Reid Became the Timberwolves' Secret Playoff Weapon

In the high-stakes environment of the NBA playoffs, where superstars typically dominate headlines and stats trackers focus on the biggest names, sometimes it's the unsung heroes who make the difference between a first-round exit and a championship run. For the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2025, that X-factor has unquestionably been Naz Reid, whose journey from undrafted prospect to playoff game-changer represents one of basketball's most remarkable success stories.

The Path Less Traveled

Reid's basketball journey began in Asbury Park, New Jersey, where he developed his skills at Roselle Catholic High School. A five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American who averaged 14.8 points and 7.7 rebounds in his senior season, Reid led Roselle Catholic to victory in the New Jersey Tournament of Champions with a dominant 22-point performance in the finals.

Despite his high school accolades, Reid's college recruitment process had its twists and turns. While many top programs showed interest — including Villanova, which sent assistant coach Ashley Howard to scout him during a high school game — Reid ultimately committed to LSU. His one season with the Tigers was impressive enough to earn him a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team.

After declaring for the 2019 NBA Draft following his freshman season at LSU, Reid faced the disappointment that shapes so many professional careers — going undrafted. Concerns about his size (6'9") and athleticism led NBA teams to pass on him despite his collegiate success. 

Finding a Home in Minnesota

The Timberwolves saw something others missed, initially signing Reid to a two-way contract in July 2019 before quickly upgrading him to a multi-year deal just weeks later. It was a small investment that would pay enormous dividends.

"They've seen me work from Day 1. Since the moment I got here I changed my body, I changed my mentality, I changed the direction I wanted to go in life," Reid told reporters after winning the 2024 NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award, becoming just the third undrafted player in NBA history to claim the honor.

Reid's physical transformation has been remarkable. When he first arrived in Minnesota, his "Big Jelly" nickname could have referred to his physique as much as his smooth playing style. But through discipline and dedication, Reid transformed his body, shedding excess weight while adding functional muscle.

The Secret Weapon

What makes Reid such a unique asset for the Timberwolves is his versatility. In a league increasingly dominated by specialized roles, Reid defies categorization. Too skilled to be labeled simply as a bruiser yet possessing the strength to battle in the paint, he offers Minnesota coach Chris Finch tactical flexibility that few teams can match.

"Naz shows up in the fourth quarter again," Finch remarked after a crucial Game 4 win against the Lakers in this year's playoffs. "I just told him, feel free to show up for the first three (quarters) anytime you like."

This playoff season has been defined by Reid's timely contributions. While his raw numbers might not always jump off NBA live stat trackers — he's scored more than 15 points only twice during the 2025 playoffs — his impact goes well beyond traditional metrics.

In the Lakers series, it was Reid who sparked the Timberwolves to a pivotal Game 3 victory. With the game tied at the 4:37 mark in the fourth quarter, Finch made the bold move of benching defensive anchor Rudy Gobert in favor of Reid. The substitution paid immediate dividends as Reid's floor-spacing ability created driving lanes for Anthony Edwards while his timely three-pointers helped Minnesota pull away for a 116-104 win and a 2-1 series lead.

The Perfect Complement

What makes Reid particularly valuable in the modern NBA is his shooting touch. For a center, his 41.4% three-point shooting during the 2024-25 regular season puts him among the league's most dangerous big men from beyond the arc.

This shooting ability creates a tactical conundrum for opposing teams. When paired with Karl-Anthony Towns or Julius Randle in the frontcourt, Reid forces defenders to make difficult choices — stay home on the perimeter and allow penetration, or collapse in the paint and give up open threes.

These frontcourt pairings weren't always smooth sailing. During portions of the regular season, the Reid-Randle lineups struggled defensively and finished with a modest +0.8 net rating in 255 minutes. But Minnesota's coaching staff stayed patient, trusting that the combination would pay dividends when it mattered most.

That patience has been rewarded in the playoffs, where Reid-Randle lineups have been central to Minnesota's success. The duo's complementary skills — Randle's bully-ball driving game pairing perfectly with Reid's outside touch — have given opponents fits and helped propel the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive season.

More Than Just a Player

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Reid's story isn't found in statistics or tactical analyses, but in the passionate connection he's forged with Minnesota fans. In a league where player movement is constant, Reid has become a cultural touchstone for Timberwolves supporters.

"His name is no longer just a name. It's become a greeting among Wolves fans, something of a secret handshake," wrote the Minnesota Star Tribune, capturing how "Naz Reid" has transcended from being simply an identifier to becoming a rallying cry and shared experience for fans.

This connection was on full display during a March 2024 home game when the Timberwolves distributed "Naz Reid" beach towels that later sold for over $100 on secondary markets. During playoff games, fans wave these towels in unison when Reid checks into the game, creating an electric atmosphere that players and coaches have credited with energizing the team during crucial moments.

The fervor even extended beyond the arena when a tattoo artist in Roseville offered $20 "Naz Reid" tattoos during the 2024 playoff run — an offer that over 200 fans accepted. Local businesses joined the celebration, with a pizzeria's "Honk if you love Naz Reid" sign going viral on social media.

Looking Ahead

As the Timberwolves continue their championship pursuit in 2025, Reid's role will remain crucial. While stars like Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns shoulder the burden of consistent production, Reid's ability to provide timely sparks off the bench gives Minnesota a dimension few contenders possess.

His journey from undrafted prospect to playoff difference-maker serves as both inspiration and validation — inspiration for overlooked players fighting for recognition, and validation for a Timberwolves organization that saw potential where others didn't. For current college players following his games on NBA live game tracker apps, Reid's development path offers valuable lessons about perseverance and finding the right team fit.

Whether Minnesota ultimately raises the Larry O'Brien Trophy this season or not, Reid's transformation reminds us why we love sports: for those moments when determination overcomes doubt, when development defies expectations, and when an underdog story becomes a tale of triumph.

For Naz Reid and the Minnesota faithful who chant his name, that story is still being written — one playoff game at a time.