Despite Minnesota Timberwolves center-forward Naz Reid being undrafted in 2019, it is now his perfect time to step up and lead the team after his six seasons.
The former Sixth Man of the Year credits the Wolves program for developing young talent, just as they did for him, as he went under the radar in the draft process.
Reid said that most players should often stay in the gym to work on their skillset and learn from their veteran superstars, such as Anthony Edwards or Julius Randle.
“You’re staying in the gym regardless of what day of the week it is or what’s going on,” Reid said, per Andrew Dukowitz. “For the most part, just staying in the gym, staying on top of your work, I think that’s key. I mean, it’s kind of how you get to levels like Ant or Julius are at, those all-star levels. Their work speaks for themselves, and you kind of follow suit as a younger guy, and it goes down the line.”
The 6-foot-9 big man noted that they were not playing their older players to give their young squad a chance to build confidence during the preseason, but he still observed that staying in the gym makes the separation.
“I think we were in the same predicaments ourselves, playing in games like yesterday. Not wondering why the older guys weren’t playing, but wanting to be in that position. I think that everybody has to take their course and take their time, but I think staying in the gym is key,” Reid added.
He also discussed Edwards after the team fell short against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, noting that his mental approach is different, having learned from losing in two consecutive years in the postseason.
“I think the mentality shift is completely different. I think the winning mentality, the way he strives for greatness, obviously, the way he works. He has younger guys in the gym following suit… He’s ready to win,” Reid said.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are expected to be significantly different this season, as they underwent another learning experience in the playoffs, particularly for their franchise superstar.
