Nazreon Reid

Nazreon Hilton Reid is an American professional basketball player for the Charlotte Hornets. Standing 6 feet 9 inches and weighing 264 pounds, he played college basketball for the LSU Tigers before going undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft. Reid defied the odds to become one of the league's most reliable big men, known for his scoring versatility and three-point shooting. In 2024, he made history as the first undrafted player to win the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award. Through the 2025-26 season, he has played over 350 NBA games, averaging 10.5 points and 4.8 rebounds. His journey from an overlooked prospect to a celebrated sixth man resonates deeply with fans who appreciate grit and perseverance. As of early 2026, he is the starting center for the Charlotte Hornets, averaging 14.2 points and 6.1 rebounds while providing leadership to a young roster. His story continues to inspire as he proves that hard work can overcome any obstacle.[edit]

Reid was born on August 26, 1999, in Asbury Park, New Jersey, a coastal city in Monmouth County. He grew up in Asbury Park, where his mother, Joi Reid, raised him and his sister as a single parent. He began playing basketball at age 5 at the local Boys & Girls Club. Attending Roselle Catholic High School in Roselle, New Jersey, he was a standout player. As a junior, he averaged 18.5 points and 12 rebounds, leading his team to a state championship. By his senior year, he was a five-star recruit, a McDonald's All-American, the New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year, and New Jersey Mr. Basketball. He committed to LSU over offers from Kansas, Kentucky, and UCLA. In his lone college season (2018-19), he averaged 13.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game, earning SEC All-Freshman honors. Despite being projected as a late first-round pick, Reid went undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft, a disappointment that fueled his determination. Scouts had concerns about his conditioning and defensive consistency, but he proved them wrong by becoming Sixth Man of the Year.[edit]

After going undrafted, Reid signed a two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2019. He made his NBA debut on October 23, 2019. In November 2020, he converted to a standard NBA contract and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2020. Over the next few seasons, he steadily improved, averaging 11.2 points and 4.6 rebounds in the 2021-22 season and establishing himself as a reliable backup center. In June 2022, he signed a three-year, $42 million contract extension. He played a key role in the Timberwolves' 2023 playoff run, averaging 11.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in the postseason. The 2023-24 season was his breakout: he averaged career highs of 13.5 points and 5.2 rebounds, winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award as the first undrafted player to do so. He was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated in February 2024 and SLAM Magazine in April 2024. In 2025, he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in a multi-team deal and signed a three-year, $42 million extension with the Hornets. As of early 2026, he is the starting center, averaging 14.2 points and 6.1 rebounds while providing leadership to a young roster. His notable quotes include: “I was undrafted, but I never felt unwanted. I just needed a chance.” and “Every time I step on the court, I play like I have something to prove. Because I do.”[edit]

Reid is known for his versatile offensive game, particularly his three-point shooting as a big man. He often wears a headband during games, which has become part of his signature look. Media and fans portray him as a hardworking, humble player who defied the odds. His social media presence is casual and humorous, mixing game highlights with personal interests like chess and anime. He has approximately 250,000 followers on Instagram, 180,000 on Twitter/X, and 50,000 on TikTok. Fans chant "Naz Reid!" when he enters a game or makes a big play. There is no official fandom name, but some fans refer to themselves as "The Reid Army." A popular meme uses his name as a reaction to unexpected success. His story of resilience resonates deeply, making him a fan favorite in both Minnesota and Charlotte. His social media voice is casual, humorous, and occasionally inspirational, often using emojis and interacting with fans.[edit]

Nazreon Reid commands a specific, vocal corner of the basketball world where grit meets unexpected flair. His fanbase isn't a monolithic legion with a singular name like those found in pop music or acting; it is a scattered collection of loyalists who rally behind his underdog narrative and on-court versatility. There are no organized campaigns, birthday billboards, or street shutdowns dedicated solely to him, nor does his audience operate under a formal banner such as the "Reid Army." Interactions remain grounded in standard sports fandom: celebrating game-winning shots, debating roster moves, and sharing highlights on social media platforms where he maintains a casual, humorous presence. The most enduring stories attached to his name are not myths but verified athletic milestones that have become part of his professional lore. The defining chapter remains his 2023-24 season, where he won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award. This achievement transformed him from an overlooked prospect into a celebrated figure known for his scoring versatility and three-point shooting as a big man. Other significant moments include his high school recruitment as a top-30 national talent and his subsequent trade to the Charlotte Hornets, marking a new chapter in his career. Despite his rising profile and millions of followers across Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, there is no evidence of a distinct, self-organized community driving viral marketing projects or unique rituals beyond general team loyalty. Nazreon Reid is currently evaluated by the iFANN Global Fame Engine but holds no placement in the published rankings. He does not appear in the Global Top 1,000 list or any Top-100 scope list. The system has assessed his public footprint and determined he is not currently ranked.[edit]

Nazreon Reid carries a lion tattoo on his right forearm, a permanent symbol of his journey from an undrafted rookie to the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year. An avid chess player, he frequently competes in charity tournaments, blending strategic thinking with athletic discipline. His cultural interests extend well beyond the court; he is a devoted fan of anime, specifically citing Naruto and Attack on Titan as favorites. When off the court, his palate leans heavily toward cheesesteak sandwiches. In high school, Reid was already a standout, listed as a top-30 recruit nationally before choosing LSU over other offers. Despite his success, he is not related to any other famous athlete, and his name remains unique within the league. As of 2026, he has not received Hall of Fame inductions or honorary degrees, nor has he been ranked on any greatest-of-all-time lists. His legacy is built on the concrete fact of winning the Sixth Man award after going undrafted in 2019, proving that perseverance can overcome initial rejection. Fans often chant his nickname, "Naz Rei," during games at the Target Center and now at the Spectrum Center, creating a rhythmic backdrop to his energetic play.[edit]

Reid's mother, Joi Reid, raised him and his sister as a single parent in Asbury Park. He has not publicly shared details about his father. He is close with his mother and often credits her for his work ethic. As of 2026, Reid is unmarried with no children. He owns a home in Minneapolis and a condo in Charlotte. He has no known pets.[edit]

Reid played alongside Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, and D'Angelo Russell with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch and assistant coach Will Hardy helped develop his game. He now plays with LaMelo Ball on the Charlotte Hornets.[edit]

Reid has no public romantic relationships on record. He has never been linked to any partner in credible media outlets and is intensely private about his personal life. As of 2026, he is single with no known current partner.[edit]

Updated for 2026, Nazreon Reid's net worth is estimated at $22 million, derived from his NBA salary and endorsements. His primary income source is his current five-year, $125 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. For the 2026-27 season, his base salary is $23,275,862. Prior to this, he signed a three-year, $41,959,296 extension in 2023. Endorsement deals and other ventures contribute a smaller portion, though specific figures are not publicly detailed. His net worth reflects cumulative earnings from his NBA contracts, which total over $166 million in guaranteed money, plus additional income from endorsements. Per iFANN's editorial analysis, the total valuation stands at $22 Million.[edit]

Reid won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2024, becoming the first undrafted player to receive the honor. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2020 and earned SEC All-Freshman honors in 2019. In high school, he was a McDonald's All-American, New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year, and New Jersey Mr. Basketball.[edit]