Bennedict Mathurin is the perfect blueprint for Terrence Shannon Jr.

In Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Indiana Pacers wing Bennedict Mathurin exploded for a game-high 27 points in 22 minutes off the bench. Mathurin's contributions were crucial in the Pacers' 116-107 win. Minnesota Timberwolves wing Terrence Shannon Jr. has clear similarities to Bennedict Mathurin. Both wings can score in bunches and provide energy on both ends of the court. Shannon is entering his second season next year and could have a similar role to Mathurin's next season.

Ironically, we are saying Shannon can emulate Mathurin's game when Shannon is actually two years older. Nevertheless, they had different paths as Mathurin was a one-and-done lottery pick, and Shannon was a late first-round pick who had a stellar five-year college career. Development is not always linear, and Shannon could blossom into a similar player. As 6-foot-6 wings with microwave three-level scoring abilities, the two players are clearly alike.

Shannon can play a Mathurin-like role for the Wolves

Shannon didn't play much as a rookie, averaging just 10.7 minutes and 4.3 points. However, his scoring and shot creation prowess were displayed in flashes, including a 15-point outburst in 13 minutes against the Thunder during Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. This performance has clear similarities to Mathurin's Game 3 Finals outing. Specifically, both players relentlessly attacked the rim and gave their teams an offensive spark off the bench. Their abilities as finishers and shot creators are eerily similar. Additionally, both players are capable off-ball cutters.

With Nickeil Alexander-Walker's future in Minnesota being uncertain, Shannon feels poised for a significant role next season. This could result in Shannon playing an energizer role off the bench, much like what Mathurin provides for Indiana. Now, Shannon won't average 16 points per game like Mathurin, but his role and impact could be comparable. For a team that lacks shot creation, outside of Anthony Edwards, having a gifted scorer off the bench is highly beneficial.

While Shannon has shown flashes of his scoring upside, he still needs to improve a few areas of his game to truly fit the Mathurin comparison. Most notably, Shannon's catch-and-shoot abilities are a work in progress. Shannon shot 34.6 percent on catch-and-shoot threes while Mathurin shot 41.3 percent. The Wolves will count on Shannon to create his own shot, but it's equally as crucial that he can knock down shots from beyond the arc.

Moreover, Shannon could be a bit more disciplined on defense. He can provide hustle and energy, but could work on some of the more nuanced aspects of defense, like screen navigation. This is an area that Mathurin himself has recently developed in. With this improvement, we've seen Mathurin be highly impactful on both ends of the court.

These improvements will come with more reps at the NBA level for Shannon. Regardless, he's certainly on the right track. Mathurin's recent play shows how valuable this type of player can be to a winning team. Ultimately, with a bigger role next season, expect Shannon to make a similar impact to Mathurin.