The Minnesota Timberwolves are in a fantastic spot right now. Following last season's tremendous finish, the Wolves' Summer League squad is off to a 3-1 start. Minnesota possesses talent for success in both the present and the future.
On Thursday night, the Timberwolves defeated the Houston Rockets' Summer League squad by 10 points following an impressive fourth quarter. Four of the five starters scored 15 or more points as second-year pro Leonard Miller led the way with 21 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and five steals. The only starter not to reach double digits in the scoring column was Terrence Shannon Jr.
27th-overall pick Shannon Jr., who ranked second on the team in scoring before exiting the game, was lost to an apparent toe injury after just seven minutes of action. Prior to the injury, the former Fighting Illini star averaged 17.7 points per game in the Wolves' first three games of Summer League.
Terrence Shannon Jr. (left toe injury) is OUT for the remainder of tonight’s game.
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) July 19, 2024
Shannon suffered a toe injury against Houston
Shannon Jr. has been one of the most impressive players on the roster. The 24-year-old's elite athleticism combined with his NBA-ready physicality had led to a sky-high field goal percentage and numerous trips to the free-throw line. Shannon Jr. has shot 56.3 percent from the floor and converted on 15-of-18 free throws in three full games and an abbreviated fourth.
While it's still possible Shannon Jr. suits up again, the Wolves organization may feel it's best to keep the athletic guard on the sidelines. The 6-foot-6 guard has displayed his well-rounded game and scoring acumen through three full games. Besides his scoring, he's averaged 3.7 boards, 1.3 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks over Minnesota's first three contests.
Shutting down the high-flying wing will certainly be unfortunate for the fans, but it may be necessary. Minnesota only has one guaranteed game remaining before the Summer League playoffs begin. And of the 30 squads, only four teams will be competing.
There's potential Shannon Jr.'s isn't serious and it was only a precaution being removed from the Wolves' latest game. News of the severity has yet to break, but we'll provide the latest on Shannon Jr. whenever we know more.