Chris Finch sees a future with Terrence Shannon Jr. in it.
The Minnesota Timberwolves may have suffered a 132-120 loss to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, but that doesn't mean there weren't flashes of good things as well.
The biggest flash was without a doubt Terrence Shannon Jr., who exploded for 33 points off the bench while shooting 11-14 from the field in 31 minutes. Shannon Jr. two rebounds and five assists to make up what turned out to be a career night for the Timberwolves guard.
Shannon Jr. is in just his second season in the NBA and he's split time between the Timberwolves and their G-League affiliate and while there's always been promise in the way he's played, especially with the way that he's lit up Summer League in the past, it's never been fully realized quite like it was on Wednesday.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (1) is defended by Detroit Pistons guard Kevin Huerter (27) in the second half t Little Caesars Arena. Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesMixing With the Team
Not only did Shannon Jr. explode for a game-leading point total, but he did so while meshing well with Minnesota's main pieces like Naz Reid and Bones Hyland.
Minnesota head coach Chris Finch was more than pleased with what Shannon Jr. was capable of and he's optimistic about what that means for the Timberwolves when it comes to the playoffs.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (1) dribbles in the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images"We know that TJ can play this way. Obviously, 33, we don't expect that from him every night. But, for him to be able to have the opportunity to go out and play this way at this point suits us for playoffs because it's a lot of situational stuff. You never know what the game's going to need," Finch said (via Timberwolves).
The Timberwolves' long stretch without star Anthony Edwards will never be a good thing, but one thing that Edwards' absence does do is force Finch to be creative with his rotations and roster construction.
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) loses control of the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (1) defends during the second half at Target Center. Matt Krohn-Imagn ImagesNew Additions for the Playoffs
In turn, that means that players like Shannon Jr. get opportunities they may not have otherwise and a well of untapped potential can be revealed.
When Edwards does come back, Finch can be secure in knowing what the depth of his team is truly capable of now that they can be tested and that can give him extra faith in playing around with new combinations or switch-ins.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (1) celebrates the basket by forward Julius Randle (30) against the Houston Rockets in overtime at Target Center. Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn ImagesThe Timberwolves have been one of the most elite offensive teams in the NBA not just because of the efforts of Edwards, but because of their extraordinary scoring depth of which Shannon Jr. is the latest edition to.
Wednesday may have been just the beginning of something special for not only Terrence Jr., but the entire Timberwolves team.