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Wolves’ Naz Reid awarded NBA Sixth Man of the Year, with his strong performance notably bolstered by a significant stint as a starter.

Naz Reid has been named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year for the 2023-24 season, as announced by the league on Wednesday. Reid, a fifth-year center for the Minnesota Timberwolves, emerged as an unexpected recipient of the award, becoming only the third center to achieve this honor, following Bill Walton in 1986 and Montrezl Harrell in 2020. Despite being the third big man on a team boasting stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert in the frontcourt, Reid’s versatility allowed him to seamlessly complement either player, making him an invaluable asset for the Timberwolves, who maintained the league’s top defense throughout the season.

Reid’s contributions extended beyond his offensive prowess, as he proved to be a capable defensive presence, particularly when filling in for Gobert during his rest periods. Despite initially being considered a long shot for the award, Reid’s trajectory changed dramatically in March when Towns sustained a knee injury, thrusting Reid into a prominent role. In 16 games without Towns, Reid showcased his scoring ability, averaging 17.9 points and 6.8 rebounds, aiding Minnesota to an impressive 11-5 record during that stretch. Meanwhile, his closest competitor, Malik Monk, faced setbacks due to injury, providing Reid with an opportunity to solidify his case for the award.

The Sixth Man of the Year race was closely contested, with Reid narrowly edging out Monk, receiving 45 first-place votes compared to Monk’s 43. Bobby Portis of the Bucks finished a distant third in the voting. However, Reid’s eligibility for the award sparked some debate, as he started 14 of the 16 games during Towns’ absence, leading to arguments that his performance during that period should not be considered for the Sixth Man of the Year accolade. This debate echoes similar discussions from previous seasons, such as Immanuel Quickley’s contributions as a fill-in starter versus Malcolm Brogdon’s consistent role coming off the bench. Despite this controversy, Reid ultimately emerged victorious, solidifying his status as one of the league’s most versatile and impactful players.

Reid’s recognition as the Sixth Man of the Year underscores the significance of his three-year, $42 million contract with the Timberwolves, which now appears to be a bargain for the team. As one of the NBA’s most versatile big men, Reid’s ability to excel in various roles has earned him widespread acclaim and established him as a key contributor for the Timberwolves.