Terrence Shannon Jr. could solve a key problem for the Timberwolves

Over the past two seasons, the Minnesota Timberwolves have struggled to generate transition points. In the 2024-25 season, they ranked 29th in transition points per game, and in the 2023-24 season, they ranked 25th. This is fairly surprising for an Anthony Edwards-led team. However, the play styles of Mike Conley, Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle (and Karl-Anthony Towns before Randle) aren’t conducive to transition play. 

Second-year wing Terrence Shannon Jr. is primed for a bigger role, and his elite transition play will be a key part of his impact. Shannon averaged just 10.6 minutes, 4.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and an assist across 32 games as a rookie. However, he showcased his upside numerous times, notably notching 15-plus points four times, including in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. With a bigger role and his gifts as a transition scorer, Shannon could help solve a key problem for the Wolves. 

Shannon is an elite transition scorer

It’s no secret that Shannon is a talented scorer in the half-court; he uses his athleticism and shot creation abilities to score at all three levels. However, Shannon truly excels in transition; the 6-foot-6 wing uses his rare combination of blazing speed and bruising strength to generate easy looks at the rim. Notably, 20 of Shannon’s 55 made field goals came in transition. He also shot an impressive 64.5 percent on shots in transition. 

Shannon’s 1.5 transition points per game and 1.14 transition points per possession (54th percentile) are solid, albeit not great. However, with a bigger role, expect these numbers to increase. Eye test-wise, Shannon is one, if not the Wolves' best transition player. He is capable of scoring coast-to-coast or using his speed to cut to open spots on the court, generating easy looks for the Wolves' offense.

After grabbing a steal or rebound, Shannon immediately looks to push the pace and get out in transition. Shannon will also be crucial in increasing the Wolves' pace, which ranked just 25th this past season. Chris Finch has openly discussed that the Wolves are looking to play faster, and Shannon having a bigger role is directly tied to this goal. 

Shannon is more than just a solid Nickeil Alexander-Walker replacement

Given the flashes of upside Shannon showed as a rookie, including in the Western Conference finals, a breakout season can be expected. At 25, Shannon is polished and ready for a sizable role. Nickeil Alexander-Walker's departure in free agency opens up significant minutes for TSJ. It’s easy to see how Shannon can replicate NAW’s scoring in defensive energy. 

Many people are looking at Shannon as simply a solid replacement for Alexander-Walker. However, Shannon has the potential to be much more than that; he could help the Wolves change their style of play and solve a key problem.