During the 2024 NBA Draft, guard Terrence Shannon Jr. heard many names called before his was finally announced at No. 27 by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite being one of the top collegiate players nationally in his fifth season and second with Illinois, where he averaged 23.0 points per game, Shannon was overlooked by teams selecting earlier in the draft.
The Timberwolves, fresh off a Western Conference Finals appearance, added Shannon to their core, yet initially prioritized other acquisitions like Rob Dillingham, whom they selected at No. 8 after trading future picks. Still, Shannon’s potential suggests he could become a vital contributor to Minnesota’s future in the Western Conference.
Impressive Early Playoff Performances Signal Potential
Shannon demonstrated flashes of star potential during the postseason, particularly in spirited games against the eventual champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. In Game 3, he broke out with 15 points on an efficient 5-for-8 shooting performance, while double-digit scoring in Game 5 further highlighted his rare impact for a rookie in the playoffs.
These bursts of offensive ability revealed a guard whose skill set can challenge even strong NBA defenses, hinting that Shannon’s role might expand as he gains experience.
Summer League Success Fuels Growing Expectations
After the Timberwolves’ Western Conference Finals exit, Shannon’s play in the Summer League offered renewed optimism. Over three games, he ranked among the top five scorers, averaging 22.7 points per game on 48% shooting. Most notably, Shannon shot an impressive 39% from three-point range on nearly nine attempts per contest, showcasing improved long-range shooting not previously seen in his game.
Looking Ahead: Shannon’s Role in the Timberwolves’ Future
With the need for more offensive firepower beyond franchise star Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves face pressure to improve beyond the current Western Conference contenders such as the Nuggets and Thunder. Shannon’s evolution into a dependable scorer could be the missing ingredient for Minnesota’s quest to advance further.
Although his rookie season featured limited minutes—averaging just 4.3 points in about 10.6 minutes per game—Shannon’s athleticism, ball-handling, and shooting suggest untapped potential. At 25 years old, he may be poised for a larger leap as he gains more playing time, which the Timberwolves should provide next season.
Given a limited ability to improve via trades, Minnesota’s future success may heavily depend on developing young talents like Shannon and Dillingham. How much Shannon can grow and contribute will likely influence the team’s standing in the highly competitive Western Conference.
The Larger Significance for Minnesota
As the Timberwolves recalibrate following consecutive playoff disappointments, Shannon’s NBA breakout could serve as a catalyst for the franchise’s rise. His ability to stretch defenses and score efficiently offers the team another offensive weapon to complement Edwards. With increased opportunities, Shannon might not only solidify his place in the rotation but also emerge as a key figure in Minnesota’s challenge to surpass the Western Conference playoff hurdles in coming seasons.
“There’s genuine star-power to be found in Shannon’s skillset, as was showcased in a few fiery postseason stints against the now-champion Thunder.” —Unnamed Analyst
“His handling and athleticism on the wing makes him a tough cover, and his shooting has improved over the last half-decade.” —Unnamed Analyst