Timberwolves center Naz Reid built a bond through drawing that cannot be erased

Wolves center Naz Reid and Jan McLaren, his middle school art teacher, built a bond through drawing that has lasted ever since.Whenever he needs a break from basketball, or just a way to fend off boredom in isolation, all Naz Reid needs is a pencil and paper.

The pencil is the important part. Not a pen or markers. Those aren't what Reid feels most comfortable using. Just a plain lead pencil.

It's what Reid used back at Asbury Park Middle School in New Jersey when he spent multiple years in the art class of Jan McLaren, whose instruction helped Reid tap into a talent and interest that was lying dormant — drawing.

Sometimes Reid might use an iPad to draw — they have pencils too — but nothing…