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Naz Reid named 2023-24 Kia NBA Sixth Man of the Year

Minnesota Timberwolves center narrowly beats Malik Monk for the award

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Apr 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) drives to the basket past Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) in the second half during game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) drives to the basket past Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) in the second half during game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid was named the 2023-24 Kia NBA Sixth Man of the Year, receiving the John Havlicek Trophy, according to an announcement from the NBA Communications official Twitter:

The fifth-year big man averaged 13.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 47.7% from the field, 41.4% from three-point range and 73.6% from the free-throw line. Reid set career-highs in ppg, rpg, apg, spg and 3P%, while appearing 81 games, 67 of which he came off the bench.

He becomes the first Timberwolves player to be named the league’s best reserve. Furthermore, Reid is just the third undrafted free agent – John Starks in 1996-97 and Darrell Armstrong in 1998-99 – to be named Sixth Man of the Year. He narrowly beat out Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk for the award, with just two extra-first place votes and ten extra points. The difference between the two is the smallest margin under the current voting format, which began in 2002-03.

Check out the full voting results for the 2023-24 Kia NBA Sixth Man of the Year below:

Naz Reid discusses relationship with Minnesota Timberwolves fans

Naz Reid has become a fan favorite in Minnesota after joining the team as an undrafted free agent ahead of the 2019-20 season. The fifth-year center discussed his relationship with the fanbase during an appearance on Inside the NBA to accept the award, stating:

It’s special. It’s one of a kind. It’s something that you kind of dream of growing up – especially at the highest level in the NBA. They’ve seen me work from day one. Since the moment I’ve gotten here, I’ve changed my body, I’ve changed my mentality, I’ve changed the direction that I wanted to go in life. They kind of deserve that and I think just being with me, that’s super special.

Check out Naz Reid’s comments on his relationship with Minnesota Timberwolves fans below:

Reid, who has become a vital piece of Minnesota’s rotation, received a three-year, $42 million contract extension last offseason. The Timberwolves have a 2-0 series lead over the Phoenix Suns as the series shifts to Phoenix for Game 3 on Friday.

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Caleb Gebrewold is the Editor for The Dunk Central. He is an experienced journalist who has covered the NBA, MLB, NFL, college sports, mixed martial arts and boxing. His work has been featured in publications such as Fansided, MSN, Yardbreaker, Sportskeeda and Gridiron Heroics. Caleb has a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications from Purdue University.

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