When a role player takes down the champs

The Warriors lost another double-digit lead in the 4th quarter thanks to an inspired comeback from Naz Reid, D'Angelo Russell and the Minnesota Timberwolves. This detailed film breakdown & scouting report analyzes a big 4th quarter -- switching, protecting the rim, making extra passes and scoring in isolation -- from the Wolves versatile big man.
Podcast: open.spotify.com/show/12kpkAv...
Support at Patreon: / thinkingbasketball
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Website: www.thinkingbasketball.net
Twitter: @elgee35
Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.
Stats courtesy:
www.pbpstats.com @bballport
www.basketball-reference.com
stats.nba.com
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Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.
Music by Brasko (No Lines)
#ThinkingBasketball

[@murphrichard]

"Naz Reid" - Jaden McDaniels

[@sadtwolvesfan]

Naz Reid

[@krste3000]

Naz Reid

[@j1--]

“Naz Reid” - Jaden’s face: 😐

[@smanc]

Naz Reid

[@thelegendformula6695]

Reid Naz

[@NogginEgg]

so glad he's finally getting recognition, Naz has always shown flashes and this year he's taken a leap

[@benjamin-qn7nf]

facts, i wish the clippers had a guy like Naz. Him and Vanderbilt killed them in the Play In lmfaoo

[@AN-wx9mk]

Spot on, he took a while to put to pieces together but now they're in place, maaaan could he be good in 1-2 years - for a long time too!

[@nathanchristensen716]

Sounds like you’re a Wolves fan so as a Nuggets fan I’ll ask you this: you think they give up Naz for Bones Hyland? Keep in mind Naz is expiring and probably looking for money and Bones still has two years on his rookie deal. Naz just seems to good to be a 3rd center.

[@Erkkae]

well said! I have loved watching him play ever since he went crazy at Rico Hines runs few years ago 😄 yeah runs are runs but he's just somehow so confusingly good at times lol

[@mamba24ever8]

Really glad you highlighted Naz. I’ve been following him since HS, he was part of that Zion HS class and was a McDonald’s All-American. Put up solid numbers as a one and done at LSU doing the same stuff he’s doing now (solid switchable defense, nice handle for a big, solid shooting) but went undrafted for some strange reason. Kinda like Lu Dort where they both went strangely undrafted after good freshmen years. Glad to see him carve a role in the NBA, playoff teams need these rangey players that can guard multiple positions and impact the game in multiple ways.

[@markybrickenmort8142]

he was fat and slow that's why he didnt get drafted i guess. he's worked on his body a ton since then.

[@mamba24ever8]

@@markybrickenmort8142 fair enough, yea he has seemed to work on the weight and fitness. I thought he was still pretty agile for a big man though in college and I didnt see many Centers, let alone freshmen, with his skillset and thought a team would take a chance on him in the draft

[@chrishall2837]

He’s from my state, that class had a lot of good Nj hoopers

[@bobafil25]

Your content is the only form of pure basketball content I can find. Reminds me that the NBA isn’t the WWE and isn’t all storylines

[@sketchofcolour]

AlexHoops, Half Court Hoops, Hoop Venue, hoopvision88 are all great too.

[@optimusprimate6954]

Check out BballBreakdown

[@ThaMobstarr]

Although ESPN is really pushing that with the drama they are creating. I remember now that ESPN had a format (for ESPN+) a few years ago where Kobe (RIP) would analyse individual plays from a recent game or a legendary game from the past. He broke down all the passes and switches from that play and explain it. Loved it.

[@truthnotfeelings]

*Naz is what I like to call a ‘premium role player’.* Like GP2 last season for the warriors or Dennis Rodman for the Bulls these types of players are worth much more than they seem. Funnily I had suggested GSW trade for Naz, however since the T Wolves are winning rn, I doubt they will entertain a trade.

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

Being a Celtics fan I would take him in Boston immediately. 😂

[@Amalga]

They honestly might have to trade him, as much as I love Naz and don't want us to. He's on his contract season and currently on a cheap rookie contract, and it doesn't really make sense for the Timberwolves to pay him since they already have two All-NBA Centers on their roster

[@CleverAccountName303]

Rodman was a tiny wee bit more than a role player for the Bulls.

[@kerzonmendoza6023]

@@Amalga man u guys need to dump gobert somehow and invest on naz imo.

[@kanyewesttlover]

@@CleverAccountName303no rodman is just the best role player of all time lmao. literally ALL he was asked to do was rebound and defend

[@domination4892]

2:00 Naz reiding the pass good one 😂

[@honeybadger1325]

NAZ REIDING THE PASS !!!

[@renzocabarco472]

So happy for Naz. Seeing him go from the Jelly Fam days to getting recognition because Minnesota is good now is so good for the heart. Him and Kyle Anderson make life worth living sometimes lol

[@scribbes]

It’s no surprise to wolves fans who have actually been keeping up with the team that Naz has been that guy.

[@zaydagoat6952]

Imma lakers fan n i love this dude

[@rickyb6780]

Role player? Lol... Naz is going to be a superstar starter!! He's outscoring and outplaying the supposed center (and almost everyone else) every single night!! Naz has arrived, and he ain't simply a role player!! Trust that!

[@jakeharrison207]

“Much to the delight of the warriors starters”

[@janeasmith955]

That was hands down the best game of the season to be at last night! It was 🔥! I love my team!!!!

[@twoeyedbill1337]

Naz is the only wolves player that actually signs stuff for fans during shoot around on a regular basis.

[@zay2654]

Naz has always been like this he just never really got the shine in Minny till now

[@pinobluevogel6458]

Agreed, it isn't easy to get a lot of shine when you're on a team with a lot of good offensive talent. Being behind Kat for a long while in rotation and now it is Gobert too that shares some of his minutes. He should probably get more minutes, as he isn't just really talented, he always exerts effort and stays with the plays. That is really valueable.

[@behindthearcyt]

naz ried is one l the most underrated centers in the leauge he has benn great as the backup center and i think he could be a solid starting center

[@DrewPballz]

Hes kinda like montrez with a more modern skillset

[@behindthearcyt]

@@DrewPballz thats a good comparison ngl😭

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

I agree.

[@jerz9015]

@@DrewPballz nah he’s one of the most skilled big men in the league by far.

[@NOYOUSHUTUP3.14]

This is a breath of fresh air from the past hour of looking at other content creators videos and getting into arguments with other viewers in the comments despite the fact that I was either directly quoting the players HC (George Popovich), citing basketball reference and in the other interaction a direct quote from a different players teammate, in this case KOBE BRYANT. I love basketball, love in depth analysis and I think I have finally had enough from the YT talking heads that this channel will be my sole NBA YT sub. Good work as always.

[@Del9-504]

Here to echo some of the other comments as I too have been watching Naz since he was in HS and college (LSU Grad myself, Geaux Tigers). He has always been incredibly skilled for his size and has shown flashes so it’s great to see him put it together. I remember watching many games while he was at LSU and saying “if this guys realizes he’s the best player on the court some day he will be a problem”. Well here we are years later and he is a problem. I hope this is the new normal for Naz going forward. He has the potential to be a top-end skilled big with a great IQ/feel for the game.

[@RecapRico]

Little known fact: Naz Reid was one of the original "Jelly fam" members lol

[@zay2654]

Yup big jelly naz 😂

[@trevorkosa5563]

i was jumping up and down in utter joy when you guys mentioned jalen brunson on the pod in the latest episode, finally as a knicks fan my favorite player in the league is on my team 🎉

[@jensenmedeiros6342]

“Naz Ried,” - Jaden McDaniels

[@ToddPro]

we love NAZ REID - all ya have to say, Minny needs to keep him some how!

[@ohmybriann7841]

He also did a good job against jokic last time they matched up. He’s solid

[@flip-antonio8425]

Big Jelly(Naz) is so talented man. He has a special offensive skill set for a big. Beast

[@VoltaDoMar]

underrated really good player. I've heard rumors that he could be traded to Denver in a deal for Bones Hyland- if Denver could add Naz, that would be sick.

[@truthseeker7322]

This guy killed it the other day. What a beast, definitely keeping my eye on him

[@EbahGotConf]

People been sleeping on Naz, I WISH the wolves would be able to keep him but he's gonna deservedly get a bag elsewhere and i'm a fan for life with him. Also just a genuine dude

[@jason4617]

4:32 "Much to the delight of the Warriors starters..." lol

[@hardwoodgems]

No wonder I'm subscribed!

[@Agelastic_LuCi]

People saying he's underrated, yet continuously underrating him by labeling him as a "good backup center". In 7 games where he played 28 mins or more, he had a statline of 21ppg 11rpg 2apg 1.4bpg 1spg. I say he's a solid starter when given the minutes.

[@ryanyoumans6505]

“Naz Reiding the pass” beautiful

[@101kingsfan]

Every single time I watch Naz Reid I leave really impressed. Been a fan of him for years I’d love him in Sacramento even though it wouldn’t solve our defensive issues he would be such a nice add to that bench

[@nathanchristensen716]

Honestly I have no idea what would solve the Kings defensive issues. Seems like Fox/Sabonis/Heurter being your starting lineup is tough defensively.

[@logan62097]

@@nathanchristensen716 Sabonis has actually been good on defense for the Kings and Fox has been solid too. They're missing a good wing defender from what I've seen, someone like Robert Covington would solve a lot of issues for them while still being able to fit inside their offensive system.

[@nathanchristensen716]

@@logan62097 I feel like that doesn’t make a lot of sense to me since Harrison Barnes is their 3

[@austincarlson9270]

2:10 "it's Naz Reiding the pass..." I see what you did there

[@nikolakrstic8079]

Naz was styling on Draymond

[@abeljohnbormate1212]

Always saw this guy on 2k and felt odd so this guy can defend the paint get o boards and Shoot trees. That's like a valuable player in the league always those kinds of players. He aint a star but he is good and should have a decent contract next season.

[@Rievax17]

Naz Reid.

[@lostyly]

Good game I enjoyed that one..unsure why Kerr plays the 3 guard line up late

[@madikarlov6328]

The fact that Naz wast the guy to put up a final shot, missing it, and slamming it back with one of the coolest 180 dunks is insane!

[@samk2407]

I saw his highlights in college and said yo watch out for this guy in the draft hes extremely versatile as a scoring big. Then it turned out he played no defense and he faded into obscurity. Im not at all surprised tho that he had a big game like this with the skillset that hes always had.

[@KleinpeterHank]

Crazy that he went undrafted. Shows you the power or talent evaluation.

[@madspunky]

Get this channel in my algorithm!

[@davidem759]

The wonderful wizard of Naz

[@ANewPseudonym]

Naz Reid

[@choppedhoops]

Naz Reid-ing the pass .. good one

[@farming4g]

Naz has grown a lot over the past 2 seasons... this is where he is a better player than KAT because he's more eager to run the floor. Gobert might have been rubbing off on Naz because this was the best defensive performance I saw from Reid and he STAYED OUT OF FOUL TROUBLE, which is one of his weaknesses yet. Was far from his better shooting numbers, he's been in a slump with the 3s but he can absolutely be a flamethrower. Don't think Mcdaniels traveled at all... Wiggins got a piece of it the first time since it appeared he was trying to pass out to Naz, but regained control of the ball, took some dribbles away to get the pass off.

[@TheQuiltedNorthern]

He did it again

[@dddzfz]

This man is so good I want him in Dallas

[@devinosland359]

Yes Naz played a big part in that game but let's not forget the warriors ability to somehow manage to snatch defeat from the clutches of victory

[@Marcus-kc9wc]

You get a sub for this one.

[@kevinomodt5996]

Naz Reiding the pass 🔥🔥🔥

[@georgecos814]

would love more content that highlights the 4-7 guys on teams rather than the stars

[@paraminderdhanota9810]

Rudy Gobert must be loving it 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@pesky19]

BIG JELLY!!

[@yankeesforlife24]

I’ve really liked naz since he came into the league during the covid shortened season. He could definitely be a starter on many teams and I don’t think they utilize him well enough when gobert and kat are healthy

[@somewhatunbiasedtalks]

He just did this again

[@loyo2911]

i was shocked watching him last game

[@Peep502]

they were letting him take so many shots is was crazy good to see they trust him or at least pass him the ball in key situations

[@aryansebastianpillai8976]

Naz Reid makes himself look like the biggest acquisition Minnesota had this offseason.

[@conlan1015]

So many good centers are below 6’11 and Naz Reid is part of the era of Modern Big men that are going to take over the league, along with Chet, Wemby, Mobley and Williams III

[@daniellee6254]

Naz "Reid"ing the play well done

[@mayo42069]

da goat

[@NeedMoreHennessy]

FINNALY SOME BIG JELLY 🍇 LOVE!

[@Jacob-gm4hq]

He finally does a T-Wolves video and its about Naz Reid XD

[@Jacob-gm4hq]

Love Naz Reid though.

[@CamdenMadison]

role players deserve the recognition so many of them deserve it and they just don't get it

[@kentmilbrandt3989]

Naz Reid had this last year but never had the minutes to show. Towns had the minutes Reid sat. But when he got a chance these things came out. His handling the ball passing, and shooting in and out.

[@jimmer6930]

I know it’s not the point of the video but the travel at 0:46 not being called is absolutely insane

[@lucascofell4680]

You’re the most notable basketball analyst to watch a wolves game this year. Listening to people like Lowe and Simmons talk about the NBA when they very clearly only watch 1-2 teams is frustrating.

[@raulgoncalvesosman9217]

NAZZZZZZZZZZ LETS GOOO🔥🔥🔥

[@SoloPerICommenti]

Nazr would fit with the Nuggets next to Jokic... trade with Bones?

[@doktarr]

It's definitely an option. Reed isn't cracking the starting lineup in Denver, but I could see him eating all the minutes backing up both Jokic and Gordon (sorry Zeke) for effectively a 3-man rotation at the 4 and 5.

[@nathanchristensen716]

Imagine having Reid lurking weak side while Jokic guards Embiid or AD, it really gives the nuggets an element of rim protection and defensive flexibility for those tough matchups.

[@konstantinkoverchenko9587]

Naz is the hustling big the wolves need.

[@Aaron-nm1ob]

A whopping 10 step travel! 🤣

[@nosrellom]

"Naz Reiding the pass." lololol

[@williamblake7386]

0:45 the quality of NBA refs is astounding

[@KikiBoyle]

I’ve thought for a couple years now that naz was one of the best if not the best backup big man in the league, deserving at least a 20+ mpg role (or more if you can put a wing rim protector at the 4). Which made the Gobert acquisition so much more confusing to me in the off-season. No combination of 2 of their 3 supposed centers fit well with together on both ends, which to me signaled a potential readiness to move off of Towns or Reid. While Towns is the best shooter and stretches the floor for Gobert, he’s less comfortable handling on the perimeter than Reid and is then shoehorned into a c&s role. They need to move one of these guys for fit purposes, and Towns should yield the most return.

[@raiou5010]

So as a non Wolves fan that was also impressed with his game last night, what do y'all do once Gobert and KAT are back?

[@robg643]

If naz could EVER shoot above 38% from 3 it’s over for the league. He does everything

[@christopherrodolfcatague2642]

Expiring Contract Miracles hahahahahhaha

[@0ZeroreZ0]

Naz is not just a role player, I'm not a timberwolves fan, but I think most would agree he's an extremely well rounded center who could've genuinely been a star if he hadn't lived under KAT's shadow for all these years, actually he might still be a star in the making but I don't believe in it anymore

[@smanc]

That take is just so bad. I don't even know where to start.

[@Daveyjdigital]

Bad take and I watch timberwolves more than anyone who comment on this video for a fact I kno this

[@Daveyjdigital]

Y’all love to hate Kat I’m tired of it

[@smanc]

@@Daveyjdigital Thank you. The hate is really getting out of hand.

[@Daveyjdigital]

@@smanc These people don’t even know Kat was 16 years old playing in the Olympics against team USA he is a Generational talent and if you trade him it will send a bad message to Anthony Edwards we need to just be loyal to Kat & Ant our #1 picks like we were to KG

[@robbieforrester1549]

Quote "Nas reiding the pass" 😂

[@Akuei13Chiman13]

It's funny cause I saw this game live and it was my first ever nba game. I was hoping the warriors win, but man Reid was a problem.

[@gdlilt3433]

Naz Reid been doing this type of shit, just never recognized.

[@willhamlink]

NAZ REID

[@weezyyeswes]

That's that jelly fam twolves need to keep him

[@billymayshere6128]

He is one of the most slept on guys in the league and it's sad

[@nazreidstan1466]

proud of my namesake

[@Engage8]

Omfg you should’ve shown that ridiculous ball handling sequence (did a between legs behind the back in and out hesitation) he had on that firs play you showed in the beginning of the video even tho he missed the shot

[@JohnDoe-kt9em]

Unpopular opinion. But Role players are just as important if not sometimes more than the superstar.

[@OTM-BandiT]

NAZ "I feel like im a guard" REID

[@Studentofthegame3]

Jelly fam!! Lmaooo

[@spentlamb3588]

this was one the biggest things about the gobert trade is that we already had the best backup center in the league so why do we need another center

[@CorreyBarnes]

Never enough Naz Reid

[@Audioseph]

Naz Reid for one of the Warriors youngins not named kuminga) and a draft pick?

[@introvart3394]

Best part is Gobert and KAT wasn't on the court

[@Slim4eva]

Naz and Taurean are the motor of this team

[@daggermaster-el3pc]

People forget that all the players that play consistently in the NBA, no matter if there super-stars or just role/bench players are still incredibly talented and excellent players.

[@airborne_seal]

Potentially controversial opinion but he plays very similar to Bobby Portis does in Milwaukee. Like he can quietly give you a 20-10 double-double off the bench, knock down a few jumpers, create his own shot in the post, and is more of a “hold it up till the help comes” defender rather than a rim protector. Portis is a champion… I reckon Naz needs somewhere better.

[@y0ungk0be53]

Jelly fam naz

[@Phonsuk]

Mike Brown's departure is huge.

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

Yeah for Sacramento. 😂

[@Sai4651]

Naz is so good, I don't know what's gonna happen to him? Will he be traded or will the Wolves resign him?

[@enaidealukal4105]

The giga-chad, Naz Reid

[@CatMacafeebets]

Naz ried ....4 life!

[@MrAndoProductions]

he really upped his trade value in 1 week before the deadline lmao