The “Naz Reid” Tattoo Craze Takes Minnesota by Storm

The “Naz Reid” tattoo fever captured 156 fans in one week. (Beloved Studios)

The latest trend in the NBA world is not an exclusive jersey or sneakers. It is a tattoo that bears two simple words: “Naz Reid.” In just one week, the name of the Minnesota Timberwolves player has been engraved on the skin of 156 fans in the city, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The player, who was not selected in the 2019 draft and is currently the team’s backup center, has become the symbol of the spirit of Minnesota fans. Despite not being the star of the team, his story of overcoming has captured the hearts of fans looking for something to relate to and celebrate.

Naz Reid went from being unknown to an icon in the city.

Geraldine Mannie, an 82-year-old fan who watches every Timberwolves game, got her first tattoo. (Beloved Studios)

The apprentice tattoo artist JC Stroebel is the initiator of this tattoo fever. Inspiration struck impulsively as he watched the Timberwolves beat the defending champion Denver Nuggets from his home. “I’ll tattoo ‘Naz Reid’ on anyone for $20. I’m serious,” Stroebel wrote on his Twitter account.

Stroebel chose Reid’s name over other more popular players such as Anthony Edwards, the team’s star point guard. The reason? Reid’s improbable story especially connects with Minnesota fans, who have always felt like the underdogs. On April 24, Reid won the Sixth Man of the Year award, given to the league’s best reserve player.

Stroebel’s Twitter post quickly went viral, sparking an explosion of appointment requests at the Beloved Studios tattoo studio in Roseville, Minnesota. Stroebel and her fellow apprentice, Jesse George, have been working tirelessly, doing up to 50 tattoos in a single day over the weekend. “We have a lot of work ahead of us,” Stroebel told George when they began to see the magnitude of the phenomenon.

JC Stroebel and Jesse George have done up to 50 tattoos in a single day over the weekend. (Beloved Studios)

The fever has spread so much that even Stroebel’s mother, who brought lunch to the team, ended up getting ‘Naz Reid’ tattooed on her ankle. She was moved by a statement from Reid, who mentioned that one of her reasons for pursuing a career in basketball was so her mother wouldn’t have to walk to work. “What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than to honor her mom?” Sue Stroebel said.

The connection between Stroebel and George and the Timberwolves goes back a long way. They were both born and raised in Minnesota and have always been passionate fans of the team, even in the worst of times. A few months ago, when the team was coming into its own, Stroebel tattooed a bird with a whistle on George’s leg as a tribute to the team’s head coach, Chris Finch.

This enthusiasm has fans flocking to Beloved Studios in droves. Geraldine Mannie, an 82-year-old fan who watches every Timberwolves game, got her first tattoo: a “Naz Reid.” On the other hand, Jackson Hurst, a 23-year-old student, added Reid to his collection of tattoos that already honor his mother and father.

Naz Reid, center of the Minnesota Timberwolves, eludes Mouhamed Gueye, of the Atlanta Hawks, in the game on Friday, April 12, 2024 (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

Reid continues to grow in popularity. When he prepares to enter the game, he receives louder cheers than the starters. A highly sought-after promotional item this season is a beach towel with Naz Reid’s name on it. Additionally, a local pizzeria has posted a sign that reads, “HONK IF YOU LOVE NAZ REID,” turning the street into a symphony of horns.

Reid fever has become common even in the daily conversation of Minneapolis residents. “Naz Reid?” asks a fan. “Naz Reid!” responds another. Even Minnesota Governor Tim Walz tweeted the name after a recent team win.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz showed his support for the player through a social media post. (X: Governor Tim Walz)

Reid’s path to fame began after flying under the radar in the 2019 draft and signing a contract with the Timberwolves as a player who would alternate between the major leagues and the minors.

However, his performance on the court, with surprising ability for a 2.06 meter tall player, quickly made him stand out. Last summer, the Timberwolves decided to renew his contract for $42 million.

2024-05-16 06:21:00
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