MINNEAPOLIS — From an undrafted player to winning one of the league's most prestigious awards, two words, seven letters. Naz Reid.
Reid was announced as the Kia NBA Sixth Man of the Year on Wednesday, becoming the first-ever member of the Timberwolves to win the honor.
Reid became also became just the third undrafted player to win the award, the others were John Starks in 1996-97 and Darrell Armstrong in 1998-99.
Reid's offensive versatility, including his three-point shot-making and tough finishes at the rim, helped the team to their second-best record in franchise history.
Reid hit on 169 three-pointers this year on a hyper-efficient 41.4%.
The Wolves backup big stepped up in a major way for his team this year when starting forward Karl-Anthony Towns went down with a meniscus injury in early March. The undrafted former LSU center averaged 13.5 points per game with 5.2 rebounds over the course of the regular season.
Wolves fans are hoping Big Jelly is saving his best for last as the team is currently locked into a postseason bout against the Kevin Durant and Devin Booker-led Phoenix Suns.
The Wolves lead the series 2-0 with game three to be played in Phoenix on Friday night.
While Reid has already been named to his award, two other members of the Wolves could still end up winners of individual awards as well. Rudy Gobert was named a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year and head coach Chris Finch is up for Coach of the Year.
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