From Rejected Star to NBA's Top Sixth Man: The Unlikely Rise of Naz Reid

In the world of sports, there are few stories as inspiring as that of Naz Reid, a player who has defied all odds to become one of the most valuable sixth men in the NBA. At just 23 years old, Reid’s journey from a discarded high school prodigy to a key player for the Minnesota Timberwolves is a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and the ability to transform adversity into opportunity. Five years ago, Reid was an undrafted free agent, overlooked by every team in the league, despite being a highly touted five-star high school recruit. Fast forward to today, and Reid is a household name in the NBA, having earned the coveted title of Sixth Man of the Year in the 2023-2024 season.

Reid’s story begins in Asbury Park, New Jersey, a community of fewer than 20,000 people, known for its beaches but overshadowed by poverty and violence. His upbringing was marked by hardship, with his father absent due to addiction, and his mother, Casey, working long hours as a cashier in a supermarket to support the family. Their apartment often leaked, and the refrigerator was frequently empty. As a young child, Reid knew hunger all too well, waking up at night with an empty stomach and sometimes resorting to drinking tap water just to feel full.

Life in Asbury Park was not only difficult due to poverty but also due to the rampant violence that surrounded him. At just eight years old, Reid witnessed a neighbor being shot and killed on the streets, a traumatic experience that would shape his worldview. By the time he was 13, his best friend was murdered due to gang violence, a reality that made his mother fear for his safety. To escape this environment, Reid’s family eventually moved to a safer area, but the scars of his childhood remained.

However, the physical and emotional struggles Reid endured didn’t stop him from developing his love for basketball. With no money for formal training, he would often practice in his driveway, honing his skills on the cracked asphalt. But there was a major hurdle standing between Reid and his basketball dreams: his weight. A combination of his troubled childhood and a tendency to binge eat led to Reid gaining significant weight. By the time he reached high school, Reid weighed 300 pounds at a height of 6’4”. His athleticism suffered, and he was given the nickname “walking hamburger” due to his size.

Reid’s early years in high school were difficult. Despite being a five-star recruit and having the potential to be one of the best players in his class, he struggled with his conditioning. His weight issues left him winded after just a few sprints, and he found himself relegated to the bench during games. Coaches and scouts were skeptical, with some even joking that he should be training for sumo wrestling instead of basketball. At this point, it seemed like Reid’s dream of making it to the NBA was slipping away.

But Reid wasn’t ready to give up. After a demoralizing experience on the bench, he made a life-changing decision: he would lose the weight that had held him back. Determined to change his life, Reid cut out junk food from his diet and committed himself to a grueling workout regimen. He woke up at 4 a.m. every day to train, running with weights strapped to his legs. The process was brutal. For two years, Reid pushed himself to the brink of exhaustion, often tempted to quit. However, seeing his mother’s tired face, working tirelessly to support their family, kept him motivated. Over time, his hard work began to pay off. Reid lost 100 pounds, transforming his body and his game. By the time he was 18, he stood at 6’9” and weighed 230 pounds—much leaner and far more athletic than he had ever been.

In 2017, Reid transferred to Roselle Catholic High School, where his game began to truly take off. In the state championship game, he faced off against Mohamed Bamba, the nation’s top center. Reid dominated the game, scoring 24 points and grabbing 15 rebounds, leading his team to the state title. His stellar performance earned him nationwide recognition, and he was soon ranked as one of the top high school players in the country. ESPN ranked him as a five-star recruit, and soon, powerhouse programs like Duke and Kentucky were knocking on his door. But despite the offers from elite schools, Reid decided to stay close to home and committed to Louisiana State University (LSU). One of the reasons for this decision was that LSU promised to provide housing for his mother, a gesture that showed how much the program valued Reid as a person.

At LSU, Reid’s early career was filled with ups and downs. While his talent was undeniable, his weight issues resurfaced. During his freshman year, he gained weight once again, and his lack of discipline in maintaining his physique led to him being temporarily suspended by the team. Nevertheless, Reid still managed to put up solid numbers, averaging 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. He was named to the All-Conference Freshman Team, but scouts were concerned about his body fat percentage and overall conditioning. Many questioned whether Reid had the discipline and commitment to succeed at the next level.

Despite these concerns, Reid declared for the 2019 NBA Draft. His decision to forgo his final years of college eligibility was met with skepticism. Scouts were unsure whether Reid could make it in the NBA, given his size and conditioning issues. On draft night, Reid’s worst fears came true: he went undrafted. Every team passed on him, despite his obvious talent. In the aftermath, Reid’s agent was able to secure him a deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were intrigued by his potential and offered him a two-way contract. However, Reid’s path to the NBA was far from guaranteed.

Reid’s arrival in Minnesota was the beginning of his redemption story. The Timberwolves were looking for a player who could complement Karl-Anthony Towns, and they saw potential in Reid’s skill set. During his first year with the team, Reid was placed in the G-League, where he continued to develop his game. But his biggest breakthrough came during his second season with the Timberwolves. Reid had shed more weight, regained his athleticism, and found a niche as a versatile big man who could shoot, rebound, and defend. In just 17.2 minutes per game, Reid averaged 11.2 points and 4.6 rebounds, becoming a key contributor off the bench. His performances caught the eye of the NBA, and he quickly became a fan favorite for his energy, hustle, and heart.

In the summer of 2023, Reid’s hard work and dedication paid off once again. He became one of the most sought-after free agents, with multiple teams interested in his services. However, in a move that spoke to his loyalty and gratitude, Reid chose to stay with the Timberwolves, signing a three-year, $42 million contract extension. He had gone from an undrafted player to a player who was highly valued by one of the NBA’s up-and-coming teams.

In the 2023-2024 season, Reid’s transformation was complete. He had become one of the NBA’s best sixth men, earning the Sixth Man of the Year award. His skills, once overlooked, had now made him an essential part of the Timberwolves’ rotation. Reid’s story is a reminder that success in the NBA isn’t just about raw talent; it’s about determination, resilience, and the ability to overcome obstacles. His journey from an undrafted free agent to one of the league’s most effective bench players is a testament to his growth, both as a player and as a person.

Naz Reid may have started his journey with nothing but a dream and the drive to change his circumstances, but now, he stands as one of the brightest examples of perseverance in the NBA. His story will continue to inspire those who face adversity and prove that with hard work, anything is possible.