Nazreon Hilton Reid Bio
Nazreon Hilton Reid is an American professional basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The 6-foot-9 center and power forward played college basketball for the LSU Tigers before entering the 2019 NBA draft. Reid won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2024, establishing himself as one of the most productive bench players in the league. He signed a three-year $42 million contract extension with the Timberwolves in June 2023.
Early Life and Background
Nazreon Hilton Reid was born on August 26, 1999, in Asbury Park, New Jersey. He grew up in Asbury Park with his mother Anashia and his two sisters Toraya and Jakahya. Reid attended Roselle Catholic High School in Roselle, New Jersey, where he developed his reputation as an exciting and versatile big man.
During his senior season at Roselle Catholic, Reid averaged 14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. He earned an invitation to the prestigious 2018 McDonald's All-American Boys Game, where he recorded 15 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and one block while playing 20 minutes. In the NJSIAA Tournament of Champions, Reid scored 22 points to help Roselle Catholic defeat Don Bosco Prep.
Path to Basketball
Reid was a consensus five-star recruit coming out of high school. He was ranked as the best power forward in New Jersey, the third-best power forward in the United States, and the 22nd-best player in his class according to 247 Sports. On September 12, 2017, Reid committed to play college basketball at Louisiana State University (LSU), joining his friend Matthew McMahon. Reid cited head coach Will Wade and assistant coach Greg Heiar as major factors in his decision to attend LSU.
Reid was a member of Jelly Fam during his high school career, an internet movement known for wild finger-roll layups. Nicknamed “Big Jelly,” he was recognized for playing like a big and flashy guard. He became the only member of the Jelly Fam movement to reach the NBA. In January 2025, Roselle Catholic High School retired Reid's number 5 in a ceremony attended by Reid and his Timberwolves teammates.
Nazreon Hilton Reid Career
LSU Tigers (2018–2019)
Reid made his college debut on November 6, 2018, scoring 17 points and grabbing 6 rebounds in a 94-63 win over Southeastern Louisiana University. Three days later, he recorded his season-high 29 points along with 7 rebounds, shooting 4-of-6 from three-point range. Throughout his freshman season with the LSU Tigers, Reid averaged 13.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game. He declared for the 2019 NBA draft on April 3, 2019, hiring an agent and foregoing his remaining college eligibility.
Minnesota Timberwolves Breakthrough (2019–Present)
After going undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft, Reid signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves on July 5, 2019, on a two-way contract that allowed him to split time between the NBA team and their G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves. He played for Minnesota in the 2019 NBA Summer League before signing a multi-year contract with the Timberwolves on July 17, 2019. Reid made his NBA debut on December 8, 2019, scoring three points in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
On January 13, 2020, Reid scored a season-high 20 points in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. His role continued to grow, and on February 6, 2021, he recorded a career-high 29 points alongside six rebounds and two steals in a narrow loss to the Thunder. By the 2021-2022 season, Reid had become a key reserve for a Timberwolves team that qualified for their first postseason appearance since 2018. He made his playoff debut on April 16, 2022, recording two rebounds in a Game 1 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Timberwolves advanced to the playoffs again in the 2022-2023 season. On December 16, 2022, Reid scored a season-high 28 points with nine rebounds in a 112-110 win over the Thunder. He recorded 24 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists in an overtime win against the Golden State Warriors on February 1, 2023. However, he suffered a left wrist injury on March 29, 2023, diagnosed as a left scaphoid fracture that sidelined him indefinitely.
Reid bounced back strongly in the 2023-2024 season. On March 8, 2024, he scored a career-high 34 points in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. On April 24, 2024, Reid received the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions as the league's top reserve player. During the 2024-2025 season, he made 80 appearances with 17 starts, averaging 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
Driving Style and Strengths
Reid's game centers on his versatility as a big man who can score inside and step out to knock down three-pointers. His offensive skill set allows him to space the floor for his team while also being a capable rebounder and post presence. His ability to play both center and power forward gives the Timberwolves lineup flexibility.
Notable Events and Milestones
Reid developed a strong following among Minnesota Timberwolves fans despite serving as the team's backup center. The Minnesota Star Tribune noted that his name became widely used among supporters as a form of shared expression within the fan community. At a March 22, 2024 home game, the team gave away beach towels with his name, which later sold for over $100 on eBay. During the 2024 playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, a Roseville tattoo artist offered $20 tattoos of his name, with over 200 people taking advantage of the offer.
Nazreon Hilton Reid Career Highlights
Throughout his NBA career, Reid has established himself as a reliable contributor off the bench for the Minnesota Timberwolves. His career arc from an undrafted free agent to Sixth Man of the Year represents a significant achievement in professional basketball.
NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2024)
Reid's selection as the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2024 marked the pinnacle of his career to that point. The award recognized his consistent production as one of the league's best reserve players. His 2023-2024 season was highlighted by his 34-point performance against Cleveland, the highest-scoring game of his career. His scoring average, rebounding, and ability to stretch the floor made him invaluable to the Timberwolves' rotation.
Other Achievements
Prior to his NBA career, Reid earned McDonald's All-American honors in 2018, marking him as one of the top high school prospects in the country. He was also named to the 2018 McDonald's All-American Game, where his double-double performance showcased his potential as a future professional. His high school career at Roselle Catholic culminated in a Tournament of Champions victory.
Nazreon Hilton Reid Family
Family Background
Reid grew up in Asbury Park, New Jersey, with his mother Anashia and his two sisters Toraya and Jakahya. His older sister Toraya was fatally shot outside an apartment complex in Jackson Township, New Jersey, on September 6, 2025, at the age of 28. Her boyfriend was arrested shortly thereafter in connection with her death.
Personal Life
Despite his professional success, Reid has remained connected to his New Jersey roots. His high school honored him by retiring his number 5 jersey in January 2025, with Reid and his Timberwolves teammates attending the ceremony at Roselle Catholic High School. He is active on Instagram under the handle @hollywood.naz.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-2025 NBA season saw Reid continue his role as a key reserve for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He appeared in 80 games with 17 starts, averaging 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. His consistent production helped the Timberwolves remain competitive in the Western Conference playoff picture. The partnership between Reid and the Timberwolves' coaching staff continued to develop, with his versatility allowing the team to utilize various lineup combinations. Reid's performance solidified his value as one of the better bench players in the NBA, and his contract extension through 2026 reflected the organization's commitment to keeping him as part of their core rotation.