Naz Reid believes his experience from deep postseason runs with the Minnesota Timberwolves can help a young Charlotte Hornets team take another step forward.
Reid was part of several successful Minnesota teams, including two trips to the Western Conference finals. Now one of Charlotte’s more experienced players, he intends to lead through his actions as much as his words.
“As me being the leader or one of the oldest guys, kind of knowing what playoff experience feels like and knowing what that environment is like and knowing what it is like, or knowing how it feels for a state to embrace you, let alone at the highest level,” Reid said.
“So, I think just being able to put my head down, going to work, and obviously leading by example, not just by words. Like I said before, can’t ask someone to do one thing if you’re not doing your responsibility.
“So I think you’ll see a lot of me embracing my role and understanding what it takes to win. And understanding how to bring a team or a couple guys along as well.”
The veteran big man believes simply experiencing high-pressure playoff basketball has taught him lessons that can benefit his new teammates.
“I’ve got some playoff experience. What’s the biggest takeaway from the last couple of years? Experience. I’ve been to Western Conference finals two times in a row.
“Last year I went to the second round. Kind of knowing what it is, and what it takes to get there and kind of sustain at the highest level.”
Reid also pointed to championship experience elsewhere in the Hornets organization, including head coach Charles Lee.
“Obviously I’ve only been to the Western Conference finals. I don’t know what the championship feeling feels like, but we’ve got a lot of guys who kind of experienced that feeling as well. They’ve won rings. Coach (Charles) Lee has won two rings.
“So, just understanding, they know what it takes as well. So, I think having that mesh of a group of guys who know how to get there and know what to do at that level. That aspect is kind of good for our brand of basketball.”
ICYMI: Naz Reid spoke about his connection with fans in Minnesota, being traded to Charlotte, and his expectations with the Hornets: https://t.co/ceYVcrH3MJ
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) August 7, 2026
