Heading into the season, how the Minnesota Timberwolves would replace Nickeil Alexander-Walker was a key swing factor. Terrence Shannon Jr. was expected to take on the lion's share of Alexander-Walker's offensive responsibilities. Jaylen Clark is more limited offensively, and Rob Dillingham plays a slightly different role. After the first game of the season, it looked like this plan was going to work to perfection. Shannon poured in 10 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
However, for the season, Shannon is averaging just 15.4 minutes, 3.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and an assist on 31/33.3/71.4 shooting splits. Shannon missed nine games due to a foot injury, but he returned on Monday against the Sacramento Kings. It was an uneventful seven minutes for Shannon on Monday, who only recorded one rebound and three fouls.
Ultimately, the Wolves lost 117-112 after blowing another fourth quarter lead. This game is the perfect example of how significant the loss of Alexander-Walker was, as Minnesota notched just 18 bench points. The Wolves' lack of scoring outside of Anthony Edwards was a key problem.
The reality is, though, that the Wolves aren't just hoping that Shannon will make a second-year leap; they need him to.
The Wolves' bench needs a spark from Terrence Shannon Jr.
Minnesota currently ranks 28th in both bench points and minutes. Naz Reid is the only player on the Wolves bench averaging double-digit points, with Mike Conley's 6.0 ppg being the second highest.
The Wolves desperately need Shannon to give them the scoring punch that it was expected he could provide. Unfortunately, Shannon hasn't proven that he can do that yet.
I have expressed my belief in Shannon multiple times, and I think he will bounce back. However, he needs to provide consistent scoring for the Wolves to reach their full potential. If TSJ doesn't find his groove, the Wolves' bench struggles are likely to continue. Notably, 19 of Shannon's 27 points have come in two games this season.
Despite averaging 4.8 minutes, Shannon is averaging .9 fewer points, and per 36 minutes, Shannon is averaging 6.8 fewer points. What made Shannon such an intriguing prospect is his fearless confidence and ability to score at all three levels. He operated like a bull in a china shop while driving to the rim in college and as a rookie.
Nevertheless, Shannon has looked far more passive this season. TSJ has passed on 10.5 percent more of his drives than last season and hasn't looked like the scorer he was last season.
Perhaps his injury has played a role in these early-season struggles. Regardless, the Wolves need Shannon to provide a scoring punch off the bench. If Shannon can't step up, the Wolves' bench production will likely continue to plague them.
Amid a season with many problems, bench play has been a crucial one, and it's largely on Shannon to fix this.