Naz Reid Draft Profile and Combine Performance
Naz Reid was not selected in the 2021 NBA Draft, a result tied directly to his draft profile, measurables, and pre-draft evaluations by NBA teams. He entered the draft after two seasons at LSU, where he averaged 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game as a sophomore, according to NBA.com. His draft stock was shaped by his role as a backup big, limited offensive range, and questions about his defensive consistency at the NBA level.
At the NBA Draft Combine, Reid recorded a 6-foot-9 standing reach, a 6-foot-10.75 wingspan, and a 2.06m three-quarter vertical, metrics that placed him in the lower tier of elite big men in the 2021 class. NBA front offices used these combine numbers alongside college box scores and team workouts to project his fit in modern spacing systems. Teams ultimately passed on him in the first and second rounds, leading to his undrafted status and a subsequent two-way contract with the Brooklyn Nets.
Why Naz Reid Went Undrafted: Team Needs and System Fit
One primary reason Naz Reid went undrafted is that the 2021 draft class featured several mobile, perimeter-oriented forwards and centers who better matched the NBA's pace-and-space trends. Teams prioritized shooters and switchable defenders, while Reid's game relied more on interior finishing and short-range scoring. His lack of a reliable three-point shot and limited free-throw volume reduced his projected value in drafts where floor-spacing bigs are heavily coveted.
Another factor was roster fit. The Nets already had a deep frontcourt with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Blake Griffin, which reduced the immediate need for a high-upside rookie big. Similarly, other teams with pressing frontcourt needs selected players with more defined roles or higher perceived upside. Reid's undrafted outcome reflects how draft boards weigh system fit, positional need, and projected development trajectory alongside raw production.
Naz Reid's Undrafted Status and 2024 Roster Situation
After going undrafted, Naz Reid signed a two-way contract with the Brooklyn Nets and spent multiple seasons moving between the NBA and G League. His path to the NBA was unconventional, and he has since become a key backup contributor for the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he has appeared in regular-season and playoff games in recent seasons, per Basketball-Reference.com. His undrafted start contrasts with his later role as a reliable energy big off the bench.
As of the latest available public data, Reid remains on the Timberwolves roster, where his usage and minutes have increased due to his physicality, finishing ability, and experience in playoff settings. His career trajectory demonstrates how undrafted players can earn NBA roles through summer league performance, G League production, and consistent two-way contract opportunities. His current status underscores how draft position does not always determine long-term NBA employment, especially for versatile, high-effort forwards who thrive in specific team systems.