Naz Reid’s Ethnicity: Exploring Timberwolves Star’s Family Roots, Religious Beliefs and More

"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 find out about Big Jelly's ethnicity and beliefs.

The 25-year-old, playing his 6th season, emerged as a top fan favorite in the Wolves fold. The 6 '9 forward came into the side as an undrafted free agent and slowly but steadily he became a crucial member of the side, winning the Sixth Man of the Year Award last year, averaging 13.5 ppg and 6.6 rpg from the bench.

Whenever Naz Reid entered the court, midway through the game, the Target Center would have a sudden spike in the decibels. This is one of the instances proving fans' craze for the big man. The fandom went a step higher when hundreds of fans inked 'Naz Reid' when a tattoo parlor offered to get it done for $25. Moreover, a Reddit post, started a thread, discussing when Naz Reid's fan following will be turned into a cult/religion. Speaking of religion, let's find out Reid's religious beliefs.

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." And he said, "Not that I know of," when the interviewer asked whether his name had any religious aspect attached to it.

While there isn't any clear evidence proving Reid's religion, we conclude that the rising star might have his beliefs inclined toward Christianity. We came to this conclusion after referring to his mother's name, Anashia, and his second family members' names, Rudy and Sheila Roundtree.

It's important to note that Naz Reid had a special bond with Rudy and Shiela as parental figures and accepted them as his second family after the approval of his mother. To understand it better, let's take a brief look at Reid's ethnicity and family roots.

What is Naz Reid's ethnicity? Naz Reid is an African American born in Asbury Park, New Jersey, United States. While there isn't much information regarding his family members apart from his mother Sheila, 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 Shiela embraced him with open arms. 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.