UPDATE: Key Timberwolves Talent Out For Remainder Of Season With Broken Wrist
Fighting for a spot in the playoffs this season, the Minnesota Timberwolves will have to do so without one of their key contributors in Naz Reid, as the fourth-year center was recently diagnosed with a broken left wrist.
Shams Charania: "Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid has suffered a broken wrist and will miss a significant period of time, sources tell me and @JonKrawczynski. Tough loss as Reid is in the midst of his best season, averaging 11.5 points and 4.9 rebounds."
The injury occurred in Minnesota's most recent game against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, as Reid went up for a dunk attempt with his right hand, lost his balance in the air and landed hard on the ground.
Reid has put out his left arm to try and brace his fall, but his left wrist took on the full weight of his fall. The Timberwolves big man was in immediate pain, wincing and grabbing at his left wrist.
While he did remain in the game to attempt his two free-throws and then play a couple of possessions after his injury, Naz Reid exited the game not too long after in clear discomfort.
Playing in 68 games for Minnesota this season, Reid had been having the best season of his career, averaging career-highs in points (11.5), rebounds (4.9) and field goal percentage (53.7 percent).
While several teams pursued him at the trade deadline, the Timberwolves did not look to trade Naz Reid, as he has become an integral part of their secondary unit behind Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt.
Set to become an unrestricted free agent this upcoming summer, Reid is expected to have several suitors in free agency due to his abilities to play both the power forward and center positions.
At this time, the Timberwolves have given no updates on when the 23-year-old will be re-evaluated or resume basketball activities, but he would need a miracle to return to the court this season.
UPDATE (3/31/23): The Minnesota Timberwolves have issued the following statement on Naz Reid's injury:
"The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the following injury update on center Naz Reid, who suffered a left wrist injury at the 8:26 minute mark of the fourth quarter Wednesday at Phoenix: An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) taken yesterday at Mayo Clinic Square by Dr. Kelechi Okoroha on Reid revealed a left scaphoid fracture. He will be out indefinitely and further updates on his progress will be provided when available. In 68 games (11 starts) this season, Reid is averaging career highs with 11.5 points on 53.7% shooting and 4.9 rebounds, along with 1.1 assists per game."
Be sure to catch up on the newest episode of The Fast Break Podcast hosted by Fastbreak's own Brett Siegel!
Streaming on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, The Fast Break Podcast takes you inside the league with the latest news, intel, rumors and interviews from those close to the action for all 30 teams. Be on the lookout for a new episodes every Friday.
