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Terrence Shannon Jr. has the scoring chops the Minnesota Timberwolves need

The NBA Summer League was a coming out party of sorts for former Illinois basketball guard Terrence Shannon Jr.
ByRees Woodcock|
Mar 5, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (00) during a time out in the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
Mar 5, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (00) during a time out in the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images | Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images

If you watch the NBA, you can tell that the Minnesota Timberwolves have so much potential that is just bubbling at the surface.

We have seen glimpses of the talent up in Minnesota, but they continue to fall short of the NBA Finals. Last season, they had a great chance to get there, but the Oklahoma City Thunder were just too much. Could a former Illini great be the answer?

Terrence Shannon Jr. only averaged 4.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game for the Timberwolves during his rookie year. He didn’t get a chance to shine too often, but when on the court, Shannon was great, especially on the offensive end of the court.

Heading into the NBA Summer League, Shannon needed to show that he isn’t just an average player and that he is better than the competition out on the court. Without a doubt, he proved that to be a fact.

Shannon was fifth in scoring in the entire Summer League, averaging 22.7 points per game. He also added 6.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.7 steals while shooting 38.5% from three-point range to that great scoring number.

Just a few days ago, the NBA Summer League came out with their first and second teams. It wasn’t even a question, as Shannon earned first-team honors, a spot that he had to have if he wanted to take his game to the next level.

Minnesota Timberwolves need scoring in a big way, and Terrence Shannon Jr. may be that answer

Now that the Summer League is over, we wait a few months before the NBA season tips off. With a ton of momentum in Shannon’s favor, look for this electric guard to see the floor much more in 2025-26.

Do I expect Shannon to average 22.7 points per game for Minnesota this season? No, but I fully expect Shannon to be between 10-15 points per game. His per-36 minutes average last season was 14.7 points per game, so this is realistic.

A scoring boost from Shannon is what could help Minnesota get over the hump, too. This is a franchise that only averaged 113.5 points per game last season, which ranked No. 17 in the NBA. A team that they lost to, the Thunder, averaged 118.9 points per game. That is a big margin, and one that Shannon could make up with more time on the court.

Shannon is a big-time player who just needs a shot. I believe he will get that shot this season. Buckle up, a big year is coming from Shannon.

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