Does Timberwolves rookie Terrence Shannon look more NBA-ready than Rob Dillingham?

Experience has always been former Illini guard Terrence Shannon’s greatest asset when he arrived in the NBA.

Shannon has played like one of the most league-ready players so far at Summer League in Las Vegas, averaging 20 points, 3.5 rebounds and one assist in two games.

Shannon, who was drafted 27th overall, is off to a faster start than Rob Dillingham, a lottery pick of the T-Wolves.

Timberwolves summer league coach Chris Hines hinted that Shannon could benefit from experience. Hines spoke with KFAN FM’s Paul Allen before the game last week.

“I mean, it’s kind of a blur,” Hines said. “I’ve been around for 10 years as a coach. I’ve coached some of the best players in the world and worked with some of them, and this kid is super fast in the open, super aggressive around the rim and tenacious in the receiving end. He’s a guy I would consider maybe ready to play now.”

Shannon played four years in college, including the last three at Illinois. He led the Illini to the Elite Eight last season, losing to eventual champion UConn. While Dillingham has higher potential, he could take longer to develop after playing just one season at Kentucky.

“Obviously these kids need to get some NBA experience, but I love him,” Hines said. “And he’s very coachable, so I think his development will progress pretty quickly.”

Shandel Richardson is the editor of Illini Now. You can contact him at [email protected]

Follow our updates and coverage on Facebook

X: @IlliniNowOnSI