A major blow was dealt to the Minnesota Timberwolves’ rotation Friday, when it was revealed reserve center Naz Reid is out indefinitely with a broken wrist suffered Wednesday in Phoenix.
Reid went up for a dunk attempt in the fourth quarter on which he was fouled and came down hard on his left hand. Reid stayed in the game after the incident, but continuously clutched his wrist.
The team announced Reid has a scaphoid fracture, and will provide updates as necessary. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Reid will miss six weeks with the injury, which would mean a potential return wouldn’t occur unless the Timberwolves reach the Western Conference finals.
Reid has been an integral part of Minnesota’s rotation, even with the return of Karl-Anthony Towns to the floor. Reid was actually a Western Conference Player of the Week nominee. In his past four games, Reid averaged 20.5 points and six rebounds in just 22.6 minutes per game while shooting 58% from the field and 50% on 3-point attempts.
Reid seamlessly meshed himself into what role the Timberwolves required him to play this season, and with his movement, decisiveness and selflessness, exemplified what Timberwolves coach Chris Finch looks for in his rhythm-based offense.
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Reid will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. And based on the 23-year-old’s age, production and ascension, will likely be difficult for Minnesota to re-sign given the number of other suitors he is expected to have who could offer the center a larger salary and role.
Fines
Finch was fined $15,000 by the NBA on Friday, while Rudy Gobert received a $25,000 fine for their comments about the officiating after the team’s loss Wednesday to Phoenix.
Finch pointed out a series of what he felt were bad calls in the game, while Gobert delivered a conspiracy theory in which he suggested the officials are trying to help the Timberwolves’ opponents win games.
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