With the preseason over and the regular season opener just four days away, it’s time for teams to finalize their rosters for opening night. In addition, coaches also plan a rotation to start the season.
When it comes to the Timberwolves, it seems like a certainty that Terrence Shannon Jr. gets playing time. Where does that leave some of Minnesota’s other younger pieces?
Terrence Shannon Jr. seems certain for rotation
When Nickeil Alexander-Walker signed with the Hawks, many pointed to Shannon Jr. as the one who could take his spot in the rotation. The 25-year-old scored nearly a point per minute after being inserted into the rotation in the last three games against the Thunder in the conference finals.
Nothing that happened in the preseason could change that. Shannon Jr. shot the lights out (11-19 from three-point range) and showed playmaking ability, as evidenced by his 21 assists in five games.
So for the Timberwolves’ regular season opener, eight players appear guaranteed to play. The expected starting lineup consists of Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert. Coming off the bench are Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo and Shannon Jr.
Chris Finch hasn’t used one of the league’s bigger rotations in his coaching career. He only went eight deep during the playoffs until Shannon Jr. was finally able to take action. He’ll probably go at least nine deep to start the season, and maybe ten, but it’s hard to see those ninth and tenth guys getting much time.
Other young pieces may find minutes difficult to receive
Rob Dillingham was also widely expected to be part of the rotation during the offseason. Maybe he still will, but after a somewhat uneven preseason, and with DiVincenzo able to get backup point guard minutes, there doesn’t seem to be much time available for the 20-year-old.
Jaylen Clark has the defensive qualities, and that side of the ball is where Minnesota has excelled since acquiring Gobert. However, the 24-year-old is certainly behind Shannon Jr. in attack.
After being selected 17th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, Joan Beringer may not be part of the rotation to start the year. That’s understandable, though, considering he’s only 18 and has little experience with the sport.
Leonard Miller has barely played his first two years, and while he looked better than serviceable in his two preseason appearances, he’s likely out of the rotation again.
Personally, I believe Dillingham and Clark will see time to start the season. However, it can only last about 8-12 minutes, making it difficult to get started. After a few games, one of the two may start receiving DNPs (barring injuries).
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