NBA Summer League Grades for Illinois Alums: Minnesota Timberwolves' Terrence Shannon Jr.

Coming off a promising NBA playoffs in his rookie season, Shannon got a chance to showcase his full skill set in Summer League, attacking the rim – in both transition and the halfcourt – playing hounding on-ball defense, jumping passing lanes and knocking down threes. Most impressively, the 6-foot-6 wing showed his growth as a playmaker and discerning shooter.

Taking (8.7 attempts per game) and making (3.3 makes per outing) a high volume of threes, Shannon made it crystal clear that he isn't just a downhill player. And that quality long-distance efficiency (38.5 percent) should come as no surprise given the amount of hours he has put in behind closed doors.

Shannon's other eye-catching improvement – facilitating – points to an even higher ceiling. With his combination of physical prowess, shooting, defensive effort and anticipation, and now playmaking, Shannon may wind up being less of a rotational player in the league and become more of a focal point for Minnesota – and wherever else his career takes him.

Summer League Grade

Terrence Shannon Jr.: A

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