The Charlotte Hornets' decision to trade LaMelo Ball was certainly bold, but getting back Naz Reid in the deal was a savvy move.

Reid was beloved as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves, as he was arguably the best sixth man in the NBA over the last few seasons. That included Reid playing key roles in Timberwolves playoff teams, coming up big when the lights shone the brightest.

Now in Charlotte, Reid has already shown why he is such a valuable player. In the Hornets' big win over the Miami Heat on Saturday, the veteran came up huge with 23 points and nine rebounds in the effort.

Naz Reid 23 PTS (9-16 FG, 5-8 3P), 9 REB, 2 BLK vs. Heat 20 PPG/9 RPG on 47% FG/46% 3PT through 3 games https://t.co/C3lioo9cO6

— Role Player Performances (@BenchHighlights) October 25, 2026

For the Hornets to have another competitive season, Reid will need to be a steadying presence for the team to help replace Ball's offensive production. It's only been three games, but Reid's performance has shown why he could play that role for Charlotte.

Here's a look at Reid's early production this year.

Naz Reid's start to the 2026-27 season

  • Games: 3
  • MPG: 31.7
  • PPG: 20.0
  • RPG: 8.7
  • APG: 3.0
  • FG%: 47.2
  • 3P%: 46.2

Through three games, Reid's averages are career highs across the board, which isn't a total surprise. Reid has already started all three games for the Hornets, matching his total from last season with the Timberwolves.

Thus far, Reid is playing over 30 minutes a game, which he has not done in any of his first seven seasons in the NBA. His 20 points and 8.7 rebounds per game would both be career-best numbers, and he is both taking and making more three-pointers than ever before.

Naz Reid in his first three games for the Hornets: 20 PTS | 11 REB | 7 REB | 8/19 FG | 4/10 3P | 32 MP 17 PTS | 6 REB | 2 AST | 7/16 FG | 3/8 3P | 24 MP 23 PTS | 9 REB | 2 BLK | 9/16 FG | 5/8 3P | 37 MP Naz is thriving in Charlotte 👀 https://t.co/C1nK43ZxrO

— NBARetweet (@RTNBA) October 25, 2026

Besides the production, Reid is also providing veteran leadership that is crucial for a young team like the Hornets. After Charlotte beat the Heat, which followed a disappointing loss, Reid spoke about using those games as preparation for the playoffs already.

"Having that resiliency to go out and do what we did last night, lay an egg, and then tonight compete at the highest level. Go out there and produce and make plays happen, be together... getting the crowd involved," he said. "That's gonna be huge come playoff time."

🎙️ Naz Reid: "Having that resiliency to go out and do what we did last night, lay an egg, and then tonight compete at the highest level. Go out there and produce and make plays happen, be together... getting the crowd involved, that's gonna be huge come playoff time." 👀

— r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) October 25, 2026

The Hornets' surprising season last year ended in disappointment when the young team played high-stress basketball in the Play-In Tournament. Reid is no stranger to that type of environment, and it's clear he's already embracing a role as the veteran leader on the team.

MORE: Watch Hornets games live with DAZN