In the absence of the Timberwolves’ twin towers, Naz Reid has stepped up

Reid’s offensive versatility has been on full display this season.

Reid is a strong rebounder and a big presence in the paint, but he showed in this latest contest against Oklahoma that he can be much more than that. He does not do a lot of traditional center post-up work but instead roams around the perimeter, where he directs traffic quite a bit in a five-out setting.

Usually, he sets one or two screens for the guards around the three-point line and then gets into position to rebound. Reid also likes having the ball in his own hands on the perimeter, though. He is incredibly comfortable handling the ball for a big man and loves to drive into the paint rather than posting up.

When Reid is the only big man in the Timberwolves’ lineup, he brings a presence to the court that is very different from Gobert’s traditional big-man game and more alike to Towns’ style of playing. He is a dynamic driver who uses more than just his size to beat defenses.

He also poses as a three-point threat, which opens up the floor for youngster Anthony Edwards to get to the rim. This is exactly the kind of game Edwards thrives in, and the two of them seem very comfortable playing with each other.

Next to Gobert, Reid is utilized as more of a catch-and-shoot three-point threat in the corner than a screener or passer. This is not a combination the Timberwolves use a lot, though, and Reid seems much more comfortable being the only big man on the floor, enjoying the freedom of moving between the paint and the perimeter. That is a good thing for the diminished Timberwolves because Reid had no issues fitting seamlessly into the starting lineup and doing everything they need him to do as the lone center.