“Sometimes I don’t even know if people know my real name. I don’t really think of it because so many people call me ‘Naz’,” said Naz Reid. Yes, let’s start this from here! The Minnesota Timberwolves rising star’s actual name is Nazreon Hilton Reid. Sometimes, nicknames can take over the actual names, leaving everyone utterly surprised when they pop up. Without a doubt, the name sure does sound like a Middle Eastern name, or maybe even a biblical inspiration. Let’s dig deeper to learn about Big Jelly’s ethnicity and beliefs.

Naz Reid, a 25-year-old forward for the Timberwolves, has quickly become a fan favorite. Standing 6’9″, he joined the team as an undrafted free agent and, over time, established himself as an essential member of the roster. Last season, he earned the Sixth Man of the Year Award with impressive stats, averaging 13.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game off the bench.

Whenever Reid steps onto the court, the Target Center erupts with energy, a testament to his impact on fans. This admiration was evident when a local tattoo parlor offered $25 tattoos of Reid’s name, and hundreds of fans took up the offer. Fans’ enthusiasm even sparked a humorous Reddit thread debating when his following would reach “cult” status. Given the fervor around him, it’s natural to wonder about Reid’s personal beliefs, including his religious views.

What are Naz Reid’s religious beliefs?

Heading back to the subject, what’s the background of the name, Nazreon Hilton Reid? Well, the man himself responded to the question in a recent interview. Ironically, just like the rest of us, Reid doesn’t know the origin or the roots of his name. But speaking of it, he said, “I think my godmother named me, actually.” He noted, “Not that I know of,” when the interviewer asked whether his name had any religious aspect attached to it.

Naz Reid’s religious beliefs aren’t publicly confirmed, though it’s speculated that he may lean toward Christianity. This inference comes partly from the names in his family, such as his mother, Anashia, and close family friends, Rudy and Sheila Roundtree, who became like a second family to him. Reid shares a close, familial bond with the Roundtrees, viewing them as parental figures with his mother’s blessing.

To delve deeper, understanding Reid’s background and family roots can offer additional context to his values and influences. His close-knit connections and cultural heritage have shaped his journey, both on and off the court, contributing to the grounded personality that endears him to fans.

What is Naz Reid’s ethnicity?

Born in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Naz Reid is of African American ethnicity. Reid grew up along with his sister, mother, and grandmother. Star Tribune reported that the rising star learned basketball and football from his dad in childhood.

Around his mid-teens, Rudy and Sheila embraced him with open arms. It is believed that the couple adopted Reid. Rudy Roundtree quickly grew up to be his father figure. Speaking of him, Reid said, “He’s been with me throughout every step of the way,” Unfortunately, the Wolves star lost Rudy to cancer in 2022 during the playoff series against the Grizzlies.

Reid said, “He kind of taught me those ropes with care and being there for someone, the next person, and he kind of installed it into my head and into my life… So it’s kind of like second nature to me now, giving that hand or that care. So I think this is definitely huge for me,” in an interview for the NY Times. 

Naz Reid truly had an inspirational journey, coming into the league as an undrafted player and winning the Sixth Man of the Year Award. What do you like more about Reid’s career? Let us know in the comments.