It's no secret that the Minnesota Timberwolves need another dependable ball handler and creator alongside Anthony Edwards. Nonetheless, recent reporting from Jake Fischer indicates that a major star trade that fans are hoping for might not be in the cards.Â
During a recent radio appearance on KFAN 1003, Chris Finch said that he expects the Wolves to be active on the trade market and admitted the Wolves need another ball handler alongside Anthony Edwards. However, he also mentioned that the Wolves using Terrence Shannon Jr. in this role could be part of the solution.Â
"I think we finally found the best deployment of him (Shannon). He definitely needs the ball in his hands more. I think he can play well alongside Anthony as the primary ball handler. So back to the question two minutes ago, I think that's part of the solution there, internally," Finch said.
If the Wolves don't trade for a star-level player this offseason, and they view Shannon as their solution at point guard, that would be risky to say the least. Given Finch's comments and Fischer's reporting, though, it's possible that this is the avenue the Wolves pursue. To me, this also indicates that Ayo Dosunmu would be used more off the ball.Â
We still have an entire offseason in front of us, but exploring the pros and cons of Shannon taking on PG duties is worthwhile after these comments.Â
Shannon has plenty of upside and talent
It was a rocky second season for Shannon, who underperformed early on and was later hampered by a two-month foot injury. Regardless, he has plenty of upside, especially as a self-creator and rim finisher.
After Edwards got injured, Shannon showed off his immense potential, including averaging 27.3 points in the final three games of the regular season.Â
Injuries to Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo opened up a chance for Shannon in the postseason, and he performed well, averaging 11.8 points throughout the playoffs (a 6.2 uptick from his regular season average). Shannon's dynamic 24-point performance helped the Wolves secure a first-round win against the Denver Nuggets.Â
After Shannon's Game 6 performance against Denver, Finch admitted that Shannon is best with the ball in his hands and that he misused TSJ, limiting him to an off-ball role earlier in the season.
All of this is to say Shannon is a talented young player, especially as a self-creator, and he found his groove with more on-ball duties.
Does this mean he is an ideal solution to the Wolves' PG problem, though? No, it doesn't.
Playing Shannon as a lead guard would be risky
While Shannon's ability to attack the rim and general shot creation chops make him an intriguing backcourt partner for Ant, there's no denying that there would be plenty of risk attached to this move.Â
Most notably, Shannon isn't a natural playmaker, and dating back to his college days, he was never a true PG. The Wolves need someone who can create shots for himself and others. Shannon checks one of these boxes, but not the other.
Against the Spurs, he recorded 11 assists and seven turnovers. His decision-making isn't horrible by any means, but it's not up to par for a lead guard. Maybe he can grow into this role, but for now, counting on Shannon as a lead ball handler on a championship-level team feels dangerous.Â
If this is the Wolves' plan and they don't land a star, this may lead to the Wolves embracing a gap year of sorts.
It's also worth noting that while the Wolves could use another ball handler and creator in the backcourt, they could benefit from one who is comfortable playing off the ball.Â
Simply put, the Wolves trading for an All-Star-level guard is the cleanest way to address this need.Â
Trading for a star-level PG and letting Shannon run the second unit would be a perfectly fine move. However, viewing Shannon as the true point guard solution could come with some clear drawbacks next year.Â
Shannon is set to enter his third year, and there is long-term upside in a backcourt with him and Edwards. Likewise, Shannon's speed and ability to constantly pressure the rim make him an intriguing fit alongside Ant. Furthermore, this duo posted an impressive 123 offensive rating in the 304 possessions they played together last season, per Cleaning the Glass.
Playing Shannon at PG would be a bit unconventional, as neither is a traditional point guard or playmaker, but it could end up paying dividends.Â
Again, though, there's no understating that if the Wolves entrust Shannon as the primary solution to their point guard woes, that would be a major risk.
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