Naz Reid
The Houston Rockets particularly struggled with rim protection in 2021-22. They fielded the league’s second-worst defense, behind only the Portland Trail Blazers. Arguably, much of that weakness can be accounted for by the players at their center position.
Christian Wood is undersized to function as a center defensively. Much debate about his position exists because he creates advantages at that spot offensively. Alperen Sengun exceeded expectations in his rookie season, but his slow feet and short arms lend themselves to questions about his defensive ceiling as well.
Meanwhile, Rockets coach Steven Silas prefers lineups with five-out spacing. Big men who protect the paint and space the floor are precious commodities in the National Basketball Association. There aren’t many who fit the job description, and even fewer are realistic trade targets.
Naz Reid meets the criteria. He’s a little undersized at 6’9, but his wingspan and defensive IQ allow him to be an impact player on defense. All told, he shot 34.9% from long distance while blocking 2.1 shots per 75 possessions for the Timberwolves in 2021-22.
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The Wolves won’t give up that kind of production for free. The Rockets should see what it might take to acquire it. At 22, Naz Reid fits this team’s rebuilding timeline while filling several of its needs at the same time.
