It seems that when every NBA rookie enters the league, they undergo some sort of "welcome to the league" moment. Usually, at some point during a player's first season in the association, they have a singular event that makes them realize the sheer magnitude of playing in the NBA, and just how talented all the players around them are.
This typically happens for every single player, whether they were a tenured college prospect, a big-name one-and-done NBA-ready player, or anything in between. The level of competition in the NBA is mind-boggling, even for the most talented rookies entering the league.
It seems that Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. may have already had his version of a "welcome to the league" moment. Shannon explained at media day on Monday how he had a surprising experience playing against Jaden McDaniels for the first time.
"Jaden was here, he was guarding me," said Terrence. "And I didn't realize how long his arms were, and how good of a defender he was ... I started asking him questions and stuff. But you can always pick up from guys you play against and the guys you play with. So I'm always asking questions and getting better."
Terrence Shannon Jr on his first time playing against Jaden McDaniels this off-season pic.twitter.com/N7HO2xpQH8
— SneakerReporter (@SneakerReporter) September 30, 2024
Shannon was surprised playing against Jaden McDaniels
Listening to the video, you can hear a few chuckles from the reporters in the press conference room as Shannon shares this story. It is always humorous to hear a rookie player be introduced to the league in a way that makes him realize the totality of the skill level in the NBA.
But like Terrence explains, as funny as this may have sounded, it was a learning experience for him. It can be hard to truly read the skill level of a player just watching them on TV or even watching in person from a distance. To experience it up close and personal gives you a more rounded view.
It sounds like Shannon certainly got plenty of a rounded view of McDaniels' defensive ability. The 2024 All-Defensive team member no doubt shocked the rookie, and made him realize just what kind of teammate he now has.
Terrence will likely continue having these moments, but it feels like a good thing that he got this type of wake-up call so early on. Such experiences will only better prepare him for his rookie season in Minnesota.