Charlotte Hornets coach benches Naz Reid for entire second half

Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee made the unconventional decision to bench Naz Reid for the entire second half during a 97-89 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. Despite Reid being a key offseason acquisition in the trade involving LaMelo Ball, Lee stated that the player did not meet the team’s standards during the first half.

Reid finished the game with seven points and six rebounds in under 13 minutes of play. While the Hornets held a 51-44 halftime lead, they were outscored 53-38 over the final two quarters. The decision was not related to injury, as reports indicated Reid was available to play but was intentionally kept on the bench.

Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 31 points and 12 rebounds, but the team struggled with 25 turnovers. Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 30 points to secure the victory. The Hornets will next face the Washington Wizards on Friday.