Terrence Shannon Jr. shines in NBA Summer League debut with Timberwolves

terence shannon jr He was considered one of the most NBA-ready prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft – and he lived up to the billing in his NBA debut.

the former Illinois Starr scored a game-high 25 points on 9-for-14 shooting (1-for-4 threes) to lead minnesota timberwolves won 81-74 New Orleans Pelicans in the nba summer league opener Las Vegas on Friday.

Shannon, who started for the Timberwolves, also had three rebounds, two blocks and a steal in 28 minutes with three turnovers. He made 6 of 8 shots from the free-throw line.

Selected with the No. 27 pick in last month’s draft, Shannon had a strong start to the game with a left-handed fast break dunk over yves missy, the No. 21 pick in the draft and a top shot blocker for an and-one finish. Moments later, he had an impressive recovery block that ultimately forced a shot-clock violation and then hit a 3-pointer from the corner. Rob Dillingham Help some properties later. Shannon then had a few more dunks early in the second quarter, including a dunk of her own.

In the second half, Shannon added another emphatic left-handed fastbreak dunk off an assist from Dillingham early in the third quarter and added another block and a left-handed floater before the quarter ended.

Shannon scored eight points in the fourth quarter – with two turnovers on traveling violations – helped by hitting a mid-range jumper, two free throws and two impressive driving layups in the final four minutes. minnesota Stop winning.

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why it matters: It’s no surprise that the 24-year-old Shannon would dominate against a group of players in their late teens and early 20s as he has done so over the past few years as a two-time All-Big Ten First Team selection . But Shannon, the NCAA’s No. 3 leading scorer last season, was clearly the best player in a game that has featured multiple first-round selections over the past few years — including teammate Rob Dillingham (No. 8 overall). . Shannon’s size, athleticism and playmaking clearly stood out between the two rosters’ NBA expectations and again begs the question of how other contending teams allowed him to slip to No. 27 as an NBA Finals contender.

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said of Shannon on the ESPN broadcast: “He’s physically ready. We like his downhill ability, being a physically aggressive player, hitting first, getting to the free throw line. We’ve been really impressed with him so far in training camp and he’s off to a good start. Initiative.”

What does it mean: No great career is made from a great start, but Shannon’s debut has been encouraging for the Timberwolves as his performance translates into his role for the NBA team. Shannon played mostly in the corner on offense, and – unlike others trying to prove themselves on the court – he did not need to force action to find success. He pushed the ball in transition (where he was effective), he took open jumpers and was a confident secondary playmaker off the bounce as a scorer and distributor who found his way to the rim. The important thing is that Shannon played really hard on defense and helped shut down the Pelicans backcourt. Jordan Hawkins, izaiah brockington And antonio reeves However, combined to shoot 10-for-38 from the field brad underwood He may have been held to a lack of rebounding for most of the game. His effectiveness as a defender and secondary playmaker will be integral to earning a role alongside Anthony Edwards, carl-anthony town, Rudy Gobert And mike connelly,

Shannon said in an ESPN postgame interview: “To be honest, I didn’t feel that good. It could have been better. It’s just the first game. We’re just practicing. …I’m just doing everything I’m asked: defend. “Doing it, running out in transition. Just asking what their coaches need from me and executing on that.”

What will happen next: The Timberwolves play the Indiana Pacers on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. on NBA TV and ESPN+.