With training camp underway, the NBA season is inching closer. Minnesota Timberwolves wing Terrence Shannon Jr. is seemingly poised for a bigger role in his second year this season. Following the departure of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Shannon has a clear path to earn minutes after not playing much as a rookie.
During training camp, media availability, head coach Chris Finch discussed how Shannon knows who he is and the value of that.
"I think it's huge, Finch said when asked how Shannon seemed to know his role. I think it's the first stage of player development. And I think it's the first stage of getting yourself on the floor. I think it's the first stage of maximizing your own talents. I think it's a foundational piece to understanding how you fit and succeed in this league. And then everything grows from that. So it's what we like about TJ is that he does know who he is. He has a highly repeatable game."
These latest comments, paired with Finch previously saying that Shannon will be in the Wolves' rotation, make TJ's role guaranteed. Finch has said that the Wolves will run a nine-man rotation with a possible floating ninth man. For now, Shannon seems poised for a consistent spot in the Wolves' rotation as an eighth man.
Terrence Shannon Jr. has a clear spot in the Wolves' rotation
At 25, Shannon is more mature and polished than most second-year players. Undoubtedly, this is paired with knowing his role, as Finch discussed, which will help Shannon earn a sizable role off the Wolves' bench. It's clear that Shannon has already earned Finch's trust.
Assistant coach Micah Nori discussed Shannon's impressive ability to guard threes and fours. This, paired with Shannon's abilities as a scorer, especially as a finisher off the rim, will make him a highly valuable piece off the bench. Overall, Shannon will provide some extra shot creation, energy, defensive versatility, and secondary playmaking off the bench.
Currently, Shannon seems to have a clear leg up over his fellow young players Jaylen Clark and Rob Dillingham. As the presumed eighth man (much like Alexander-Walker was), Shannon is slated behind Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo on the bench.
While Shannon averaged just 10.6 minutes and 4.3 points per 36 minutes, he averaged 14.7 points. Furthermore, Shannon notched 35 points in the last three games of the Western Conference finals. The 6-foot-6 wing shot 64.3 percent at the rim. He also thrives in transition, which has been a common problem for the Wolves. Shannon's ready-made skill set, especially as a scorer, makes him poised for a bigger role.
Ultimately, Shannon has an ideal skill set to bolster the Wolves' rotation, and it's already clear that he has earned Finch's trust.