Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee has publicly embraced the rapid evolution of forward Naz Reid, acknowledging that his earlier strictness has yielded tangible results on the court. Early in Reid’s tenure with the Hornets, Lee benched the forward during a winnable game, a decision that initially drew criticism but appears to have served as a pivotal motivational catalyst. Lee now views Reid’s transformation into a more complete player as a testament to the team’s culture of accountability and growth, signaling a shift from friction to mutual respect within the locker room.
From benching to breakout: How Reid’s 17.6 PPG streak is carrying Charlotte
With star guards Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel sidelined, the burden of production has fallen squarely on Reid and veteran wing Grayson Allen. This duo has emerged as the Hornets’ primary offensive engines, delivering consistent performances in high-stakes matchups. Over the last six games since the initial benching incident, Reid has averaged 17.6 points per game, establishing himself as a reliable go-to option. His ability to elevate his play when the team faces adversity highlights his growing confidence and expanded role in Lee’s offensive scheme.
The most recent evidence of this development came in a dominant victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, where Reid and Allen combined for 52 points. Reid contributed 25 points in a performance that showcased his improved shooting range and defensive intensity, while Allen added 27 points to fuel the Hornets’ offensive surge. This collective effort not only secured a crucial win but also demonstrated that the Hornets possess the depth and resilience to compete effectively even without their primary ball-handlers, marking a significant step forward for the franchise’s competitive trajectory.
Source: Yahoo Sports
