What happened: Naz Reid will open the season as the Minnesota Timberwolves' starting power forward, the first time he has held that job in his career, per Jon Krawczynski. The shift is framed as a vote of confidence in both Reid and Jaden McDaniels to take on bigger roles as Minnesota reshapes its rotation.
Why it matters: The move comes as Minnesota retools after a second-round playoff loss to San Antonio and watched former Wolf Karl-Anthony Towns win a title with the Knicks. Sliding Reid into the starting frontcourt alongside Rudy Gobert sharpens the lineup around Anthony Edwards as the franchise looks to close the gap on the Spurs and Thunder in the West.
By the numbers: Edwards turns 25 in August and has reached three straight second rounds, advancing to the conference finals in 2024 and 2025. Minnesota holds the No.
What to watch: Watch whether Tim Connelly packages that pick or moves up on draft night, with the Wolves having canvassed the league on veterans to surround Edwards.