The Minnesota Timberwolves are playing without their prominent big man Karl-Anthony Towns. KAT last played in a March 4 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Since then, Special K has undergone a repair on his meniscus, keeping his availability in question for a return. However, just when many predicted Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards, to shoulder KAT’s void, Naz Reid has stepped in as the ultimate sixth man for the squad.

Reid led the Timberwolves to a 117-127 win against the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring a 31-point and 11 rebounds double-double in the Wolves’ recent dominant display. With that, he marks his first ever 30-point double-double of his career. As the Timberwolves celebrated their talented big man on X, Karl Anthony Towns voiced Reid’s name for the sixth man of the season award.

Reid has enabled the Wolves to maintain their season-long dominance in the absence of Karl-Anthony Towns. Before KAT’s injury, Reid saw 23 minutes of game-time, all while averaging 12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.8 blocks.

However, since March 4, Reid has seen a surge within the added responsibilities, albeit with a handful of off-shooting nights. In the last 15 games, Naz Reid is scoring 18.9 points per game, alongside 7.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.4 blocks. He is shooting 48.2% from the field while connecting on 44% of his three-pointers, fulfilling Towns’ role aptly.

Moreover, in a true star-like fashion, he has emerged as the team’s leading scorer alongside Edwards several times; all while posting a team-high four times since March. With Reid’s unprecedented surge, his performances propelled his name for the Sixth Man of the Year award with supersonic velocity. However, the top list already has a few credible names.

Praise from Karl-Anthony Towns puts Naz Reid’s 6th Man of the Year ambitions strong!

Throughout the majority of the season, names like Malik Monk (Sacramento Kings), Norman Powell (Los Angeles Clippers), and Bobby Portis (Milwaukee Bucks) have been featured on the six-man honor list.

However, with names like Derrick White (Boston Celtics), Tim Hardaway Jr. (Dallas Mavericks), Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers), and others marking a brief stint, the post-all-star stretch of the season features Monk, Portis, Powell, Caris LeVert and Naz Reid in the top trail-mix.

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Luckily, Reid has his work cut out for him. According to fans’ inclination, Monk is heavily favored to bring home the awards due to his recent surge. Monk, being one of the stable faces within Sactown, has added to his responsibilities and output since February. Moreover, he posted a 39-point performance against Reid’s Wolves, defeating them 120-124.

Regardless, if anyone could snatch the title out of Monk’s hands, it was Reid. His presence has not only displayed his stance as a true supporting piece but also helped the Timberwolves to maintain their top record in the West.

Steve Kerr’s Failure to Stop “Warriors Killer” Naz Reid Draws Fans’ Ire