With the preseason now over and the regular season opener just four days away, it’s time for teams to finalize their opening night roster. Along with that, coaches also plan a rotation to start the season.
When it comes to the Timberwolves, it seems to be a certainty that Terrence Shannon Jr. will be receiving playing time. Where does that leave some of Minnesota’s other younger pieces?
Terrence Shannon Jr. looks to be certainty for rotation
Once Nickeil Alexander-Walker signed with the Hawks, many pointed to Shannon Jr. as the one who could take his spot in the rotation. The 25-year-old nearly averaged a point per minute after being inserted into the rotation in the last three games against the Thunder in the conference finals.
Nothing that occurred in preseason should change that. Shannon Jr. shot lights out (11-19 from 3-point range) and showcased playmaking abilities as evidenced by his 21 assists in five games.
So, for the Timberwolves’ regular season opener, eight players seem guaranteed to play. The projected starting lineup is Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert. Coming off the bench will be Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Shannon Jr.
Chris Finch hasn’t utilized one of the larger rotations in the league in his coaching career. He went just eight deep during the playoffs until finally allowing Shannon Jr. to also get action. He’ll probably go at least nine deep to start the season, and maybe 10, but it’s hard to see those ninth and 10th guys receiving a lot of time.
Other young pieces may find minutes to be difficult to receive
Rob Dillingham was also widely expected to be part of the rotation during the offseason. Maybe he still will, but after a somewhat uneven preseason, and with DiVincenzo capable of taking backup point guard minutes, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of time available for the 20-year-old.
Jaylen Clark has the defensive chops, and that side of the ball has been where Minnesota has excelled since acquiring Gobert. The 24-year-old definitely is behind Shannon Jr. on the offensive end, though.
After being selected 17th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, Joan Beringer may not be a part of the rotation to start the year. That is understandable, though, as he is just 18 and has little experience playing the sport.
Leonard Miller has barely played his first two years, and while he looked better than serviceable in his 2 preseason outings, he’s likely outside the rotation again.
I personally believe that to start the season that Dillingham and Clark will see time. It may just be around 8-12 minutes, though, which makes it hard to get going. After a few games, one of the two may start receiving DNPs (barring injuries).