Willie Reed sat down with HEAT.com after a recent practice to discuss his off-court interests and other things people may not know about him.
Growing up, who was your favorite NBA player?
Well, growing up, I’d say Michael Jordan. But, you know, besides that, the prototypical person being that idol for everyone, I really, really loved watching Tracy McGrady. I had every pair of his shoes growing up.
Tell me, what’s a moment in your life that’s shaped you?
I think, it’s not one specific moment that’s shaped me. It’s the things that I’ve been through in my life and those things I’m growing through. I want to make sure that I give opportunities to other people to be successful and go down a different road than I had to.
What is your most memorable High School or AAU game?
Haha, we’re gonna’ take it way back. I was 15 years old, AAU, played for MOKAN Elite in Kansas City. We were in Indiana, playing against an Indiana team, I can’t remember what team it was but I think Tyler Zeller was on that team. I ended up scoring 35 points, and I ended up getting seven three’s, so that was an exciting moment for me. That was way back then, 11 years ago, but that was definitely one of the most exciting moments for me.
Alright, are you polishing that three-ball now? Kind of working on it on the side?
No, no. Just polishing my rim protection.
Right now, what’s your favorite TV show or Movie?
Right now, I’m really into TV shows, I’m watching a lot of Rosewood, Empire, Power. Those are the ones really catching my interest right now.
If you weren’t playing basketball, what path would you be on right now?
Well I went to school for Media & Journalism so I would be a sports broadcaster, or doing something like that. I actually had a conversation with HEATv to see if they could show me the ropes, learn a bit more about it.
Top three artists on your rotation?
Future, Drake & A-Boogie.
So, you mentioned that as a kid you looked up to Tracy McGrady. Who’s the player whose style you try and model your game after?
As a kid, you really want to be like those guys. But as I matured and got older I realized what my game was like, so I try to raise my game up to the level of a younger, in his prime New York Knicks Tyson Chandler or DeAndre Jordan with his energy.
And now, after watching Hassan [Whiteside] play every day, I’m trying to move down that path too.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
I can’t live without my family. My whole family is the reason I’m here today. My mother, father, wife and kids and the rest of my family have been so supportive and they always sacrificed for me to become who I am today, so, I’m thankful for them. I’m thankful for god for blessing me with that family and for the opportunity to be here today.
What’s your favorite food?
I’m a pasta and steak eater, that’s my thing.
Have you tried pasta and steak together?
Haha, no I do them separately, but I’m actually going on a cleanse and trying to eat a lot healthier now and my wife is coming up with some amazing new recipes that are pretty good so I’m enjoying having that right now.
What’s your favorite work out or drill since you’ve been here?
I can’t remember what we call it but I think my favorite thing has been like a cutthroat game, basically, we just play four-on-four with defenses set but you have to score and losers run. I think whenever you have competition it brings out the best in you.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Actually, I think my favorite subject was math. That was probably the class I had the highest grade in. It was a good experience. I love numbers, who doesn’t love numbers? Who doesn’t love money? So, that’s why math was my favorite subject.
Outside of basketball, what’s your favorite sport?
Actually, outside of basketball I’d have to say football is my top sport. Obviously, I’m going to give a shout-out to the Chiefs and the Royals, I’m a hometown kid so I’ll give a shout-out to them.
What’s been your most memorable experience on the court as a professional basketball player?
My most memorable one was my NBA debut. I think that was the day I realized all my dreams have come true. Everything I wanted as a kid was there for me, it was right there in my hands. And then, last night was the best game of my professional career** and I just want to continue to build on that, listen to the coaches, listen to my teammates, my captain UD, and listen to Hassan and just continue to get better and take that moving forward.
**10/18 Magic vs. HEAT, 29 MP, 8-11 FG, 16 PTS, 11 REB, 2 AST, 2 BLK, 1 STL.
What would you like to do once your playing career is over?
When my playing career is over I definitely want to become a sports broadcaster. I mean you see Shaq, Kenny, Charles, Ernie, and how much fun they have on the set, so that’s something I think I could really get used to once my playing career is over. But, I want to handle the playing career first.
What’s been your most unusual experience with an NBA fan so far?
I think the most unusual experience was when, last season, being in New York, I’m used to people not really knowing who I am, and then to go to Time Square, and so many people knew me. I think that’s a humbling experience. That was a just a testament to everyone who’s helped me, and the hard work I’ve put in.
So, what was your ‘Welcome to the NBA’ moment?
My welcome to the NBA moment was probably, obviously my whole rookie season, but my first NBA basket, for my first NBA basket to be a dunk, that just was like ‘OK, you’re here - you belong. Now, let’s move forward.’
Name three historical figures you’d like to have lunch with.
I think I’d like to have lunch with Dr. Martin Luther King, I think that would be an experience worthwhile –
James Johnson: ‘If it wasn’t for James Johnson, I would never get those rolls to the basket.’
- But, obviously, Dr. Martin Luther King, that would be great. And then, other than that, just some historical figures that have helped make a change, you know? I love people who make a difference, make a change. I think that’s the biggest thing with the community, with this platform, just trying to make a difference.
Alright. Last question here: Favorite outdoor activity?
My favorite outdoor activity is actually something simple. Something you play as a kid all the time, I love playing Tag with my son. Playing Tag and Hide & Seek, I think that’s the highlight of my day every day. I get to see him and he’s excited when I come home and then, I get to go outside and play Tag or Hide & Seek with him.
He’s actually pretty good. Way too good to be two-years old. So, I think that’s my favorite outdoor activity.