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Naz Reid Benched Five Games Into First Season With Hornets After Strange Sequence

Charlotte Hornets forward Naz Reid talking with head coach Charles Lee during the second quarter of an eventual 97-89 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

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.”

Charlotte Hornets’ Naz Reid shoots a free throw during an NBA game against the Detroit Pistons in Detroit on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images

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.

Naz Reid Benching: Watch the full clip below.

At 4:49 in the 2nd quarter, Naz appears to be explaining something to Moussa before Charles Lee steps in and shows Reid two different play signals. Was Naz explaining it incorrectly?

On the next possession, Reid appears confused by… pic.twitter.com/7bUQ8U7ePN
— James Plowright (@British_Buzz) October 29, 2026

Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee watches the game against the Washington Wizards on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C. NBAE via Getty Images

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.

Charlotte Hornets center Naz Reid drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in Detroit. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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.

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Naz Reid Benched Five Games Into First Season With Hornets After Strange Sequence

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