Naz Reid emerges as a contender for Sixth Man of the Year
Timberwolves forward Naz Reid is making a strong case for his second Sixth Man of the Year award, highlighted by a season-best 33-point performance against the Bulls on Monday night. As the season unfolds, Reid’s name is gaining traction in discussions among fans and analysts alike, with the latest betting odds from FanDuel Sportsbook placing him as a notable contender.
Betting landscape shifts
As of December 30, the odds reflect a competitive race for the coveted award. Leading the pack is former Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, now with the Atlanta Hawks, who boasts +350 odds. Reid, meanwhile, sits at +1000, translating to an implied probability of 9.09% for clinching the title. Here’s a look at the current contenders:
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Atlanta Hawks): +350
Anthony Black (Orlando Magic): +550
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Miami Heat): +750
Naz Reid (Minnesota Timberwolves): +1000
While Reid’s odds may not be the most favorable, he is certainly making strides that could tilt the balance in his favor.
Reid’s rising stats
This season, Reid is delivering solid numbers, averaging 14.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 26.8 minutes per game. His shooting percentages are noteworthy as well: 44.7% from the field, 36.1% from three-point range, and 76.7% from the free-throw line. December has been particularly kind to Reid, with averages of 16.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, all while shooting at a rate of 45.2% from the field and 37.7% from beyond the arc.
The competition heats up
Alexander-Walker, however, is a formidable opponent. His performance has reached new heights this season, with career averages of 20.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. His increased production comes in his first year with the Hawks after departing Minnesota as a free agent last offseason. The situation could shift, though; if rumors about the Hawks potentially trading Trae Young materialize, Alexander-Walker may find himself in a starting role, which could impact his candidacy for the award.
Reid’s potential path to history
Reid’s quest for a second Sixth Man of the Year award is not just about accolades; it’s about joining an elite group. If successful, he would become only the sixth player in NBA history to win the award multiple times, joining legends like Kevin McHale, Ricky Pierce, Detlef Schrempf, Jamal Crawford, and Lou Williams.
With Minnesota still in the conversation for potential trades and Reid consistently improving as the season progresses, this race is far from over. As the Timberwolves navigate through the remainder of the season, Reid’s performance will be pivotal in shaping the outcome of this year’s Sixth Man of the Year award.
