On Thursday night, Naz Reid’s New Jersey high school honored him by making him the first retired number in the school’s 75-year history. Roselle Catholic High School in New Jersey immortalized his No. 5 before he took the stage to speak.
For those who haven’t heard Reid speak, it can cause a double take. It’s one of my favorite things about Reid. He’s the guy that garners the loudest cheer on the bench. He’s a fan favorite who grinded his way from being an undrafted free agent to the Sixth Man of the Year.
He has an elite-level step-back three, a “jelly roll” sweetness to his layup package, and every couple of games, he pulls off a gravity-defying dunk that seems impossible given his 6’11” size. He’s undeniably one of the most exciting players on Minnesota’s roster and presumably part of their long-term plans.
Yet, when Reid speaks, he does so with a humble, quiet tone that seems to directly conflict with his flashy, awe-inspiring game. Reid typically stands with his arms crossed behind his back, smiling often as he speaks softly. That’s exactly how he spoke of the honor, with a sense of grace.
“I’m very excited,” he said. “It’s something I can sit back and reflect on at this point in my career. I’m definitely super excited about that.”
Reid reflected on what he was most excited about and his favorite high school basketball memories.
“You kinda get a chance to see your roots again,” he said. “All those people that you were working with back then. … I get a chance to see all those guys in one special moment.”
“My teammates, having the same class as each other, and then going to work,” he said. “Well, I guess at that point, it was practice.”
The night also came amid a hot streak for Reid on the court. Over the past 10 games, Reid is shooting 50% from the field and 46% from distance, while averaging 15.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists.
Twice in the past two weeks, the Minnesota Timberwolves have also trusted Reid to close games, adding to his responsibilities as the team’s backup center. His hot streak coincides with a 5-5 record in which the Wolves have had high and low points.
At his jersey retirement ceremony, Reid’s family, friends, and a gym full of people joined him to celebrate his high school career and his impact. Minnesota’s entire team and coaching staff were also in attendance. Some players wore the shirts from the event.
He met with students and fans and joined the Roselle basketball team for their Thursday night game. Roselle was down 14 at halftime before storming back to win 67-58, which only seemed fitting with how often the Wolves have had to battle back in games.
Reid wore 5 in high school, so why didn’t he wear No. 5 in the NBA?
“I’m not really tripping. I’m cool with No. 11,” he said. “Well, I wanted [No. 5], but when I got here (Malik) Beasley had it, and then Slow (Kyle Anderson), then Ant. So…”
The answer was a little more in-depth between his smiles and laughter. Reid wore No. 5 and 11 in high school. Beasley wore No. 5 when the Wolves drafted Reid. Then, Anderson took the number, and Anthony Edwards swapped with him because 5 is his preferred number.
As with most things in the NBA, time will move fast, and the Timberwolves will need him to continue to drive winning. The Wolves are still within grasp of home playoff seeding and in danger of falling out of the playoffs.
With the ceremony completed, attention will be turned back to Minnesota’s ultimate goal, hanging a banner in the target center