In the world of professional sports, it’s rare for one player’s name to become a symbol of an era for an entire city. But the story of Naz Reid and his fans in Minnesota is precisely such a case. When it became known on June 25th that the Minnesota Timberwolves star was transferring to the Charlotte Hornets, many expected fans to start getting rid of symbols of their love for the departing basketball player. However, the reality turned out to be much more touching and indicative of modern tattoo culture.
From a Spontaneous Tweet to Thousands of Tattoos
It all began in May 2024, when the Timberwolves confidently defeated the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals. Naz Reid, who had been named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year just a few weeks prior, scored 14 points and became the hero of the game. At that moment, JC Stroebel, a tattoo artist at Beloved Studios in Roseville, posted on social media: “I’ll tattoo the name Naz Reid on anyone for $20.”
The idea seemed crazy. Who would get a tattoo of a basketball player who wasn’t a top-tier star? But Minnesota fans, historically accustomed to many disappointments and setbacks, saw Reid as their hero. He joined the team in 2019 as an undrafted free agent. His journey from “underdog” to a key player who helped the team win five playoff series in seven years became a symbol of perseverance and belief.
Tattoos as a Symbol of Belonging
Over two years, artists Jesse George and JC Stroebel, nicknamed the “Naz Reid Tattoo Guys,” have given over a thousand Naz Reid tattoos. Fans like Ryan Turnquist explain their choice not just as love for the player, but as a desire to be part of something bigger. “It’s not just a name,” says Turnquist. “It’s what Naz represents. It’s the community, it’s the emotions we’ve experienced together.”
Even after Reid’s departure from the team, fans are not in a hurry to remove their tattoos. Shannon Dolan, who has the player’s name on her ankle, is considering adding a Hornets logo next to it. Jessica Kiehne jokes that she might add LaMelo Ball’s name, but doesn’t regret her decision. Julie Anderson, despite her son’s teasing, is determined to keep the tattoo on her ribs. For her, it’s not just a name, but a memory of a time when the team and the city united around a common goal.
A Cultural Phenomenon and a Hero’s Memory
Naz Reid tattoos have become part of a broader cultural phenomenon. In Minneapolis, a “Honk if you love Naz Reid” sign appeared outside Parkway Pizza. Naz Reid personally thanked the establishment’s owner for this initiative, calling it the fulfillment of a childhood dream. Fans continue to visit this spot to honor the player’s memory, even after his departure.
One fan, Jack, ordered a custom “NAZ” license plate and refuses to give it up. “It’s a memorial now,” he says. “Every time I see it, I salute it. I can’t let another piece of him leave Minnesota.”
Expert Insight: Why the Tattoos Remain
In the context of tattoo culture, this phenomenon demonstrates how tattoos become not just decoration, but a way to preserve memory and emotions. Unlike temporary symbols, tattoos remain with a person forever, reminding them of important life moments. For Naz Reid’s fans, these tattoos are not just a name, but a symbol of an era when the team and the city united around a common goal.
Furthermore, this case shows how tattoo culture can become part of sports fandom. Tattoos of players’ names become a way to express devotion and belonging to a community. In Naz Reid’s case, this became particularly noticeable, as his journey from “underdog” to star became a symbol of perseverance and belief.
Remembering a Hero
The story of Naz Reid and his fans is an example of how sports can unite people and create new cultural phenomena. Tattoos of his name will remain with the fans forever, reminding them of a time when the team and the city united around a common goal. And even if Naz Reid has left Minnesota, his name will remain in the hearts of fans and on their bodies, as a symbol of an era and the memory of a hero.