Terrence Shannon Jr on Minnesota’s second unit: ‘We know each other’s strengths’

MINNEAPOLIS — Oct. 14, 2026 — Terrence Shannon Jr did not treat Minnesota’s 128-106 preseason loss to Detroit as a referendum on his role. After five points, a rebound, an assist and a steal in 18 minutes off the bench — his first action back from a one-game absence — the wing spent his availability explaining how the second unit is starting to feel like a real group: familiar lineups, shared pace, and a clearer identity.

Shannon shot 1-of-4 from the field, 1-of-2 from three and 2-of-2 at the line. Ayo Dosunmu had 10 points in 24 minutes. Bones Hyland managed two points and three assists in 15. Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 20. The Timberwolves fell to 1-2 in the preseason and close Friday at Chicago.

‘We know each other’s strengths’

Asked how cemented his role feels three games into camp, Shannon kept it simple. “I just take it day by day,” he said. “Do what I can every day to get better. And to be better for our team. And whatever I got to do in the game to help us win is what I’m going to do.”

The more useful answer came when the conversation turned to the second unit with Dosunmu, Hyland and the other reserves — a group that has looked more stable than the mix-and-match benches Shannon played on in past years. “Yeah, for sure. I feel like we gel with each other better,” he said. “We know each other’s strengths and we just try to mesh it all together when we’re out there on the floor.”

Keeping up with Dosunmu and Hyland’s speed is not the hard part, he added. “We’re all fast. We all use our pace,” Shannon said. “It’s fun. It’s not hard to keep up, but it’s pretty intense.”

Pace as the second-unit identity

Coach Chris Finch has talked about Shannon thriving when he can play downhill. Shannon said the next step is reading when to attack, when to pass, and when to screen. “We were talking about how I can screen more to make an advantage for me or the ball handler,” he said. “Knowing when to attack, knowing when to slow down, and speed the game up.”

On whether the second unit is building its own identity inside Finch’s scheme, Shannon pointed straight at tempo. “I feel like the first unit will push the pace as well as us,” he said. “I feel like we may be a little faster pushing the pace with me, Ayo, and Bones. So I feel like that’s where we’re at our best. … Our pace, pushing on the transition, and making the game go faster will be our identity in the second.”

Defensively, the emphasis has been rebounding with a smaller four-five look. “I feel like we’ve been doing a better job rebounding from the first preseason game to now,” Shannon said. “There’s been a big emphasis for us. … Just talking, everyone talking, having each other’s back.”

LaMelo as ‘the best passer in the league’

Even in spare second-unit minutes with LaMelo Ball, Shannon said the vision matches the highlights. “Oh, LaMelo, he’s the best passer in the league,” Shannon said. “He see everything. He see stuff that we don’t even see. So he’ll pass you to be open. … He’s the best passer in the NBA for sure.”

Off the floor, Shannon said Ball is the same energy fans see on camera — checking on teammates, joking, and lifting the room. “Just the energy he brings,” Shannon said of camp’s levity. “Just being happy all the time, smiling. … His presence [is] really good for us.”

Jaden’s growth, and the vibes check

Shannon typically matches up with Jaden McDaniels in practice. After the Knicks game, he said the two of them were still talking about how far McDaniels has come. “Jaden unbelievable, man,” Shannon said. “To move like that at his size, to be able to defend how he can, put the ball on the ground, three levels — he can score at all three levels. … He’s great. I love him, man. … He’s grown as a player even from last year to this. It’s amazing.”

Asked how much vibes matter, Shannon did not overthink it. “I feel like with any team vibes is good,” he said. “If there’s one bad [apple], it can turn into multiple. But I feel like we got no bad apples. It’s everyone’s good. It’s high energy, good vibes here.”

Why it matters

Minnesota’s second unit is still a work in progress after a physical night against Detroit, but Shannon’s framing is concrete: gel around known strengths, live in transition with Dosunmu and Hyland, screen for advantages, and let Ball’s vision create catches. Opening night is Oct. 21 at Miami.