Timberwolves Summer League awards: MVP, best rookie, and more
By Austin McGee
Best rookie: Terrence Shannon Jr.
After his most recent performance, the eighth overall selection, Rob Dillingham, made this award more difficult to hand out. In Minnesota's final game, Dillingham scored 25 points and dished out eight assists. He knocked down 11-of-18 field goals including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc.
However, before going down with an injury, Terrence Shannon Jr. proved to be an immediate quality contributor. The 24-year-old swingman showed no signs of growing pains. He dropped 25 points in the Wolves' first Summer League game, shooting 9-of-14 from the floor.
When it was all said and done, the Illinois product averaged 13.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. If you eliminate Shannon's shortened fourth appearance (seven minutes) from the equation, his averages increase to 17.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game.
Shannon's athleticism and shot-making ability were instantly on display in the exhibition season. The wing is an absolute game-wreaker in transition—he can finish with both hands and throw down monstrous dunks over any opponent. The 27th overall pick can also get to the rim in the halfcourt and cash in on open threes.
While Dillingham improved every game, Shannon's consistency was impossible to overlook. Throughout five games, the 19-year-old guard averaged 13.6 points and 7.6 assists per game. However, his efficiency left much to be desired as he shot 36.0 percent from the field and 30.8 percent from downtown.