Timberwolves' Nickeil Alexander-Walker replacement is already showing out

After Nickeil Alexander-Walker signed with the Atlanta Hawks in free agency, many wondered how the Minnesota Timberwolves would be able to replace his well-rounded production. The Wolves opted to bank on internal growth with Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark, and Rob Dillingham. However, it was always clear that Shannon was the primary replacement.

Shannon didn't play much as a rookie, averaging 10.6 minutes and 4.5 points through 32 games. In the minutes that Shannon did play, though, he thrived. Most notably, he earned minutes in the last three games of the Western Conference finals, pouring in 35 points, including a 15-point outing in Game 3.

While it's only preseason, Shannon has been exceptional, and more importantly, he has shown improvements in key areas. Through five preseason games, Shannon is averaging 12 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists with 47.5/57.9/68.8 shooting splits. During Thursday's game against the Chicago Bulls, Shannon racked up 14 points, seven assists, and three rebounds.

Shannon is showing improvement in key areas

It was always clear that Shannon could make a positive impact as a shot-creator and high-energy defender. Nevertheless, there was reasonable concern about whether Shannon could provide a similar impact as a playmaker and spot-up shooter. And so far, he's answered the call in both key areas.

Five preseason games are, of course, a small sample size. Still, netting 57.9 percent of his 3.8 outside shots is a statement that can't be ignored. Likewise, Shannon shot 38.5 percent on 8.7 attempts from beyond the arc in summer league play. Shannon shot a respectable 35.5 percent from 3-point range as a rookie and 34.7 percent during his five-year college career.

Shannon's 3-point numbers as a rookie and during college weren't bad by any means. However, Alexander-Walker shot an elite 42.6 percent on 3.6 catch-and-shoot 3s last season and was a 38.4 percent 3-point shooter during his Wolves tenure. TSJ knew that this would be a key area of growth, and while this is a small sample size, it's fair to buy into his improvements as a shooter.

Alexander-Walker's secondary playmaking was another key part of his impact. The 6-foot-5 wing averaged 2.5 assists throughout his time in Minnesota. Shannon averaged just 1.9 assists in college, including 2.3 dimes in his final year with Illinois.

As noted earlier, Shannon is averaging 4.2 assists in the preseason. Shannon has especially thrived as a drive-and-kick passer. It's worth noting that in summer league play, TSJ also averaged 5.0 assists. Consequently, it's fair to buy into this playmaking jump being real.

We always knew Shannon's powerful finishing and versatile defense would help him make a positive impact. Shannon has continued to make an impact in these areas during preseason play. Regardless, his improvements as a shooter and playmaker should make Wolves fans even more confident about the 25-year-old wing stepping into Alexander-Walker's role.