The Charlotte Hornets have several roster questions to address. And the g big men positions shouldn't be among them, especially since they have three already locked up for now. However, if the availability of Naz Reid comes up, they have to be at least intrigued by the addition of the Minnesota Timberwolves center.
Given the recent development, though, the Hornets' possible interest may wane even before it crops up. That's because Reid is apparently done playing off the bench.
He recently stated he is "100 percent" a starter, and while he has indeed proven worthy of being one, the telling comment doesn't bode well for the Wolves' chances of seeing him exercise his player option or re-signing him to a new contract. The 25-year-old vet did say that he is open to making a sacrifice if it puts his squad in a winning position.
Naz Reid would be an intriguing but costly target for Hornets
As for Charlotte, there have been no whispers of the team considering wooing Reid from Minnesota. However, he could potentially be useful alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller because of his offensive versatility. He can play off the pick-and-roll, attack the paint, and shoot from 3-point range. Defense would be an issue, although he at least measures glowingly on the toughness scale.
Some complications might arise if the Hornets do pursue Reid, as the organization probably cannot promise him a spot in the starting lineup. Not only does it have to give up Mark Williams, who is still a serious candidate to be placed on the trading block, in that scenario, but it also has to deal with the possibility that the former undrafted big man not offering much more than what Williams can, except for the outside shooting and durability.
Moreover, it might be better for Charlotte to avoid any potential drama from a role player who might be more suited to be a sixth man and is just one year removed from bagging the Sixth Man of the Year award. The front office can just look for other alternatives if it intends to move on from Williams. It could also try to mold Moussa Diabate into someone like Reid by encouraging him to build up his strength and develop a jumper.
Perhaps the Hornets ought to target a different Wolves veteran — one who is a better fit and might be more willing to accept a reserve role if necessary.