Timberwolves assign Terrence Shannon Jr. to G League

Shannon, 24, hasn't seen much time on the court so far this season, appearing in four games and averaging 3.7 minutes played.

The University of Illinois alum was the team's 27th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the second first-rounder the Wolves selected. Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham was picked by the San Antonio Spurs at the No. 8 spot, whom Minnesota ended up trading up for.

All of Shannon Jr.'s appearances have come in garbage time, playing a total of 15 minutes and scoring four points. He scored his first professional points on a steal and dunk against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on Nov. 7 in the Wolves' 135-119 victory.

It was going to be a longshot for the rookie to get valuable playing time at his position, as head coach Chris Finch has his top eight players set that include: Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid. It's already a struggle for others to see playing time, such as Josh Minott, Joe Ingles and Dillingham.

Finch's coaching style doesn't involve him going deep into the team's bench unless garbage time calls for it.

Moving Shannon to the G League will get him some much needed playing time and an opportunity to continue to polish up his game. He's on a standard NBA rookie contract — as opposed to a two-way deal — but there's a shot he could make appearances with the Wolves throughout the season.

If the Wolves didn't have the depth they currently have — which isn't a problem whatsoever — Shannon likely would already be seeing the court more as he's NBA ready and was from the moment the team drafted him. In his final season with Illinois, he averaged 23 points a game and led the Fighting Illini to the Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament.

Minnesota's G League team is already loaded with young talent. Jaylen Clark, Leonard Miller and Daishen Nix highlight the team that's 4-1 heading into their next matchup on Wednesday against the Motor City Cruise, the Detroit Pistons' affiliate.

Minnesota's next game is on Thursday on the road against the Toronto Raptors.