NBA expert names the ‘X-factor’ player who could help Anthony Edwards and Minnesota Timberwolves win title next season

Bobby Marks thinks Terrence Shannon Jr. could have a big role on the Timberwolves

It was just recently that the Timberwolves GM spoke on how impressed they have been with Terrence Shannon Jr.’s Summer League output.

He has scores of 20, 24 and 24 in three games and is playing brilliantly on both ends of the floor.

Shannon Jr. did not play a lot of minutes last season, but in the limited time he displayed tremendous potential.

Marks revealed that the T-Wolves are expecting big things from the 24-year-old in the coming season.

Speaking about him on ESPN, Marks said: “There’s going to be an X-factor here. We’re here in Las Vegas and my X-factor is Terrence Shannon Jr, who we have seen over the course of the last week.

“There’s going to be high expectations on Shannon Jr, not just to be part of this rotation with the loss of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, but to contribute.

“We saw in the playoffs, he is the guy to keep an eye on for Minnesota. They’re a team that returns the same starting five and core players, with Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid. It’s certainly a big offseason for Minnesota and I think it starts with Terrence Shannon Jr.”

Shannon Jr. adds to the depth of the Timberwolves

The Timberwolves had a brilliant second half of the 2024-25 season, and they carried the same momentum into the playoffs.

After winning the first and second round comfortably, they were met with the challenge of the Thunder.

Edwards did not have the support, and although they dominated the Thunder by securing a 43-point win in Game 3, eventually Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led his side to victory over the T-Wolves in five games.

The Timberwolves lacked the depth to get it done last time, but Shannon Jr. gives them the added security off the bench.

He has worked hard on his game and can contribute in every aspect on the court. His shooting is splendid, but Shannon Jr. is also explosive in the paint.

Losing Alexander-Walker is certainly not great, but Shannon Jr. has shown the potential to fill the role of the Canadian.

Alongside him, the Timberwolves also have Rob Dillingham, who has taken the Summer League by storm.

If both these talents elevate their game in the second year, the Timberwolves could get over the hump and win the Western Conference.