Timberwolves’ plan after losing Nickeil Alexander-Walker is crystal clear

The young guys will all get bigger roles.
Mar 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch directs his team as they play the New Orleans Pelicans in the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Mar 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch directs his team as they play the New Orleans Pelicans in the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images | Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Unsurprisingly, Nickeil Alexander-Walker left the Minnesota Timberwolves in free agency and signed a four-year $62 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks. While losing an elite role player with such a well-rounded skill set is undoubtedly a tough blow for Minnesota, they have a clear plan to replace his production. Second-year players Terrence Shannon Jr., Rob Dillingham, and Jaylen Clark are all ready for bigger roles. Furthermore, all three players can replicate different elements of Alexander-Walker’s impact. Let’s dive into why these three young players will be vital with NAW out of the mix.

Terrence Shannon Jr.

Shannon is the clearest replacement candidate for Alexander-Walker. The 6-foot-6 wing's dynamic three-level scoring abilities give him tons of offensive upside off the bench. Shannon, Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Dillingham could form the highest-powered offensive unit. Despite averaging just 10.6 minutes and 4.3 points, Shannon showed plenty of flashes of upside, including scoring 15-plus points four times in the regular season and playoffs combined.

Most notably, Shannon poured in 15 points in just 13 minutes during Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. Defensively, Shannon plays with relentless energy. Overall, as a sparkplug off the bench with dynamic scoring abilities, Shannon can replicate some of NAW’s impact on both ends of the court.

Jaylen Clark

Clark’s lockdown on-ball defense and spot-up make him an ideal replacement for Alexander-Walker. While the 6-foot-4 wing doesn’t have the offensive upside that Shannon does, his 3-and-D skill set will allow him to replicate some of NAW’s impact.

Notably, Clark shot 44.9 percent on catch-and-shoot 3s, which is higher than Alexander-Walker’s 42.5 percent and Shannon’s 34.6 percent. Given that the Wolves have several shot creators off the bench, Clark could get more minutes than Shannon in certain matchups. Ultimately, Clark and Shannon will likely compete for minutes throughout the season.

Rob Dillingham

As a 6-foot-1 guard, Dillingham is the least similar to Alexander-Walker stylistically. However, NAW averaged 25.3 minutes, and there will be plenty of available playing time without him. As a result, Dillingham will benefit from this opportunity. The Wolves often used Alexander-Walker as a secondary playmaker and occasionally as a point guard. Dillingham is primed to take over as a clear backup point guard after showing plenty of flashes as a rookie. Notably, Dillingham scored 10-plus points eight times.

Dillingham will give the Wolves a different yet much-needed element off the bench, as a dynamic three-level scorer with blazing speed and playmaking chops. In addition to filling in some of NAW’s minutes, Dillingham will take some of Mike Conley’s minutes. The value of impactful young players on contending teams has been seen numerous times, and the Wolves could be the next team to follow this trend.