Undoubtedly, Terrence Shannon Jr. is the Minnesota Timberwolves player who is most ready for a bigger role. On a recent episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, Dave DuFour even listed Shannon as a possible candidate for the Most Improved Player award.
Naz Reid could compete for Sixth Man of the Year, but he may start more games this year. Anthony Edwards is a dark horse but not a frontrunner MVP candidate. While Rudy Gobert could win another Defensive Player of the Year, it's unlikely he'll get a record-breaking fifth award. As a result, TSJ could be the Wolves best chance to bring home an award this season.
Despite averaging just 10.6 minutes, 4.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and an assist as a rookie across 32 games, Shannon's upside is immense. With Nickeil Alexander-Walker leaving in free agency, there are significant open minutes for Shannon. The 6-foot-6 wing showed flashes of his potential several times throughout the season, most notably in the Western Conference finals, where he poured in 35 points in the last three games.
Shannon is poised for a massive scoring leap
Shannon's ability to score at all three levels makes him primed for a massive scoring leap. He combines solid ball handling with bruising strength and athleticism, which allows him to thrive especially as a finisher. Notably, Shannon shot 64.3 percent at the rim.
This skill set also allows Shannon to thrive in transition, something the Wolves must improve upon. Furthermore, Shannon has a solid outside touch and is skilled at hitting difficult shots. He will likely need to develop more of a spot-up game, but he's got the shot creation aspect down.
Terrence Shannon Jr. transition buckets pic.twitter.com/Ul6VFWkgpJ
— Eamon Cassels (@EamonCassels) August 1, 2025
Given this skill set and that he's 25, it's not far-fetched to believe that Shannon can make a double-digit level scoring jump. While averaging around 14 points per game shouldn't be the expectation for Shannon, it could be the ceiling.
Shannon's all-around play will be vital for his potential MIP case
Many people have a problem with a second-year player winning MIP, and understandably so. However, if Shannon's scoring jump is significant enough and he improves other aspects of his game, it could be too much for voters to overlook.
Playmaking is another area where we could see Shannon take strides in, especially as this was central to Alexander-Walker's impact. While he's comfortable with the ball in his hands, Shannon could make quicker decisions and better reads.
Having more reps and ball-handling opportunities could help the second-year wing develop as a passer. Shannon averaged 5 assists per game in summer league, which showed his upside as a passer. However, as we all know, the NBA is a different monster. Shannon already projects to be an excellent fit next to Anthony Edwards, and if he improves as a playmaker, this fit will be even smoother.
While Shannon plays with great energy on defense and has the frame to guard multiple positions, ironing out some of the more nuanced aspects of defense could help TSJ take a massive leap. For Shannon to be in the MIP race, improving his all-around game must also come with a jump in scoring.
Right now, Shannon is listed at +5000 odds for the MIP award. Being a second-year player could hurt his case. Nevertheless, expect Shannon to take a massive leap this season.