Naz Reid uncomfortable and ineffective as a power forward

A useful and willing rotation player at Wolves for three years in a substitute pivot role, Naz Reid has been forced out of his comfort zone since the start of the season, following the arrival of Rudy Gobert at the Minnesota club.

Indeed, just like Karl Anthony Towns in the five major, the former LSU player, off the bench, sees his use of the pivot position dwindle, since the Frenchman consumes a large part of the playing time on this position (30.5), and then shifts a little more to the position of strong winger.

A change necessarily accompanied by its share of necessary adaptations. ” I defend in another position, and therefore face different player profiles. I’m learning game patterns from a different position, too. It’s very different, and I have to get used to it because it’s not natural for me said the 23-year-old interior.

In fact, Naz Reid’s switch from position 5 to position 4 is not complete, far from it. Indeed, as rightly pointed out the Star Tribune which is based on the figures of Cleaning The Glass, the New Jersey native has spent just 28% of his time as a power forward this season. Against 72% as a pivot, therefore.

And we understand why: Wolves’ “Net Rating” when Naz Reid plays on position 4 is -15.8 for 100 possessions! Against +2.8 when he evolves on position 5.

In other words, Naz Reid is simply penalizing Wolves when he plays strong winger, especially in defence. So he continues to play often on his natural position, but his playing time is decreasing (from 16 minutes last season to 14.5 this season), since Rudy Gobert is installed in the five majors.

” I know it’s frustrating for a young person who wants to continue to build his career, prove his worth and his potential, all those things included Chris Finch. ” But I think he realizes that last year his input was 16 minutes. And this season, his role could be redefined. »

The injury of “KAT” offers him a little respite…

Injured in the right calf last week, and announced absent at least until the new year, Karl-Anthony Towns, in his misfortune, makes the happiness of Naz Reid.

Because during the next four weeks, at least, he will find post 5 full-time, in relay of Rudy Gobert.

” I wouldn’t say I can’t play in 4. But it’s just that I’m so used to it [à jouer en 5]. It is an important role that I will be able to find again in the coming weeks. I am excited to play again on this position he added on this subject.

And D’Angelo Russell to remind him that he still has a long way to go, even if he has found his comfort zone. ” He knows it. But I tell him again anyway. I keep reminding him not to let this opportunity pass him by concluded “D-Lo”.