Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee said star forward Naz Reid was benched in the second half of a 97-89 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday because he “didn’t meet our standard” of play.
Reid is currently in the second season of a five-year, $125 million contract he signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves in July 2025 before being traded to the Hornets in June.
“Unfortunately, Naz didn’t meet our standards in the first half and at halftime we made the decision that he wouldn’t play in the second half,” Lee said after the game. “But I look forward to him meeting those standards come next game.”
The Hornets led 51-44 at the half, but were outscored 53-38 in the second half without Reid.
With less than five minutes in the first half, Reid looked confused when Lee appeared to communicate play signals.
Reid, who was talking with Hornets center Moussa Diabaté before Lee chimed in, seemed lost on the next possession.
He finished with seven points on 2-of-6 shooting in 13 minutes. Reid also had one block.
In five games played for Charlotte, Reid is averaging 19.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
Reid, the 2024 Sixth Man of the Year, was a part of the trade that sent NBA All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball to the Timberwolves.
In addition to Reid, the Hornets received a 2033 unprotected first-round pick and three second-round picks (2029, 2032, 2033), as well as first-round pick swaps in 2028, 2029 and 2030.
