Basketball
Is Terrence Shannon Jr. the future of the Minnesota Timberwolves?
Shannon Jr. has impressed many important figures in the NBA despite just a limited role during his rookie season.

Former Illini Terrence Shannon Jr. continues to open eyes across the NBA. After an impressive playoff performance in limited time that helped spark a victory, multiple nationally renown names spoke highly of Shannon Jr. It all started with ESPN’s Stephen A Smith, once of the most viable names in sports media. Smith actually quoted Timberwolves owner and former MLB Superstar, Alex Rodriguez.
“[Alex Rodriguez] was telling me before the game.’You see that kid right there’ – pointed right at him – he said, ‘That’s the future, Stephen A. That’s one of our future assets. That brother is bright.'”
An important offseason ahead
Terrence Shannon Jr. was the 27th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, however, he held a very limited role on the Minnesota Timberwolves. This was completely understandable as Shannon Jr. joined a very crowded backcourt including superstar Anthony Edwards and veterans Donte DiVincenzo, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Mike Conley.
Because of the proven production in front of Terrence, he bounced between the NBA G-league and spot minutes on the Timberwolves throughout the entire season. To end his rookie season, Shannon Jr. averaged 4.3 points in 10.6 minutes per game.
However, if Shannon Jr. can use this offseason to further his game and dominate the NBA Summer League, the Timberwolves may just have to find a role for the former Illini superstar.
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