Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Timberwolves very clearly needed a facilitating point guard to push them over the top this year after losing in last season’s Western Conference Finals. They didn’t go out and get one this offseason, but Tim Connelly has been poking around on options for a while.
Mike Conley and Donte DiVincenzo have handled primary guard duties, with Anthony Edwards. Terrence Shannon Jr. was also expected to be a key part of the rotation this year. Unfortunately, he’s been both hurt and ineffective. His latest injury looks like it could shelve him for quite a while.
Terrence Shannon Jr facing extended absence for Timberwolves
The 25-year-old Terrence Shannon Jr. has played in just 22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves 31 games this season. He has missed time due to maladies, and the latest foot injury creates a real level of uncertainty.
Timberwolves say Terrence Shannon Jr had an MRI today and that he will be evaluated again in two weeks.
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) December 27, 2025
Timberwolves’ Terrence Shannon Jr. limped to the locker room in the third quarter. He is OUT (Left Foot Soreness) for the remainder of tonight’s game against the Nuggets pic.twitter.com/kqpCuzuOh2
— Isabel Gonzalez (@cisabelg) December 26, 2025
Shannon Jr. played 9:43 on Christmas Day against the Denver Nuggets before limping to the locker room. The injury is officially classified as a left foot abductor hallucis strain following today’s MRI, which is different than the left foot fifth metatarsal bone bruise he missed time with before. Although, it seems they could certainly be connected.
The abductor hallucis is a muscle located along the medial side of the foot. It begins at the heel and inserts into the base of the big toe (hallux). Its primary function is to move the big toe away from the other toes (abduction) and provide support to the arch of the foot. Because of its location and role in foot mechanics, this muscle is crucial for activities like walking, running, and maintaining balance.
Southern Maryland Foot and Ankle
How soon Shannon Jr. can return to action remains a question mark. Clearly the injury is substantial enough to create a level of concern for multiple weeks. The MN Timberwolves could be without their young guard for quite some time.
Minnesota Timberwolves need a good TSJ
This season has hardly been the step forward that the Minnesota Timberwolves envisioned for Terrence Shannon Jr. After earning playing time last year, he has turned those additional minutes into 39.5% shooting from the floor and just 4.5 points per game. His 40.5% from deep is better, but the overall efficiency has been worse.
Shannon Jr. was never going to be the answer to the MN Timberwolves point guard problems. He could have generated another strong option in the rotation though, and that hasn’t come to fruition.
Terrence Shannon Jr. 14 Points, 7 Assists, 2 Steals full highlight vs Bulls I 2025 NBA Preseason pic.twitter.com/E8LCBq87C7
— Hoops Showtime (@HoopsShowtime12) October 17, 2025
His teammates definitely haven’t given up on him, and there’s still plenty of time for him to get both healthy and right. If he can, the Timberwolves will be better positioned for success in postseason play.
Mentioned in this article: Terrence Shannon Jr.
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