“Sometimes I don’t even know if people know my real name. I don’t really think of it because so many people call me ‘Naz’,” said Naz Reid. His full name is Nazreon Hilton Reid, though most fans only know him by his nickname—or “Big Jelly,” as he’s often called. The Minnesota Timberwolves forward has become one of the NBA’s most exciting underdog stories. Standing 6’9”, the 25-year-old went undrafted but carved out a key role off the bench, earning the 2024 Sixth Man of the Year Award with averages of 13.5 points and 6.6 rebounds.

Reid’s energy and style have made him a fan favorite in Minnesota. His following is so strong that a local tattoo shop once offered $25 tattoos of his name—and hundreds lined up. He’s sparked Reddit threads, Target Center chants, and even questions about his roots and beliefs. His name—Nazreon—has led many to wonder about his background, possibly Middle Eastern or biblical. As his profile rises, so does interest in who Naz Reid really is beyond the court.

Where is Naz Reid from? What’s his nationality? 

Nazreon Hilton Reid hails from Asbury Park, New Jersey. Born on August 26, 1999, he is an American professional basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA. Reid played high school basketball at Roselle Catholic High School in Roselle, New Jersey, before committing to Louisiana State University (LSU) for his college career. Okay, so now we know where he was born, what was his religion?

What are Naz Reid’s religious beliefs?

Heading back to the subject, what’s the background of the name, Nazreon Hilton Reid? Well, the man himself responded to the question in a recent interview. Ironically, just like the rest of us, Reid doesn’t know the origin or the roots of his name. But speaking of it, he said, “I think my godmother named me, actually.” He noted, “Not that I know of,” when the interviewer asked whether his name had any religious aspect attached to it.

Naz Reid’s religious beliefs aren’t publicly confirmed, though it’s speculated that he may lean toward Christianity. This inference comes partly from the names in his family, such as his mother, Anashia, and close family friends, Rudy and Sheila Roundtree, who became like a second family to him. Reid shares a close, familial bond with the Roundtrees, viewing them as parental figures with his mother’s blessing.

To delve deeper, understanding Reid’s background and family roots can offer additional context to his values and influences. His close-knit connections and cultural heritage have shaped his journey, both on and off the court, contributing to the grounded personality that endears him to fans.

What is Naz Reid’s ethnicity?

Born in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Naz Reid is of African American ethnicity. Reid grew up along with his sister, mother, and grandmother. Star Tribune reported that the rising star learned basketball and football from his dad in childhood.

Around his mid-teens, Rudy and Sheila embraced him with open arms. It is believed that the couple adopted Reid. Rudy Roundtree quickly grew up to be his father figure. Speaking of him, Reid said, “He’s been with me throughout every step of the way,” Unfortunately, the Wolves star lost Rudy to cancer in 2022 during the playoff series against the Grizzlies.

Reid said, “He kind of taught me those ropes with care and being there for someone, the next person, and he kind of installed it into my head and into my life… So it’s kind of like second nature to me now, giving that hand or that care. So I think this is definitely huge for me,” in an interview for the NY Times. 

Naz Reid truly had an inspirational journey, coming into the league as an undrafted player and winning the Sixth Man of the Year Award. What do you like more about Reid’s career? Let us know in the comments.