In the Timberwolves' first summer league matchup against the Pelicans, Terrence Shannon Jr. stole the show with an impressive performance, while Rob Dillingham faced some challenges with his shot.

Shannon, who played a vital role in leading Illinois to the Elite Eight last season, showcased his NBA-ready skills in his professional debut. The 27th overall pick displayed tremendous speed and physicality on both ends of the floor, finishing the game with 25 points on a 9-for-14 shooting, along with two blocks and a steal on the defensive end.

Wolves' summer league coach Chris Hines praised Shannon's tenacity and aggressiveness, emphasizing his ability to find his spots on the floor and understand the defense once he drives. Hines noted that Shannon's offensive aggression is a defining characteristic, acknowledging his hunger for victory and coachability.

Standing at 6-foot-6, Shannon utilized his frame effectively, demonstrating both power and finesse around the basket. He also contributed on the defensive end, highlighting his prowess on-ball defense and ability to disrupt screens. Shannon's decisive drive to the rim for a layup in the final seconds secured the victory for the Timberwolves.

Despite a challenging shooting night, Dillingham, the eighth overall pick, approached the game with a focus on other aspects of his game. Working through an ankle injury during the pre-draft process, Dillingham acknowledged that his legs were not fully underneath him yet. Instead of fixating on scoring, Dillingham prioritized mastering the offense and improving his defensive skills.

Dillingham's unselfishness was evident in his willingness to set up teammates rather than seeking personal glory. During a breakaway play, he opted to pass the ball to Jaylen Clark for a layup, even though Clark had yet to make a shot. Hines commended Dillingham's buy-in, hailing his decision as a sign of his commitment to the team.

Though defense was an area of concern during the draft process, Dillingham showcased glimpses of improvement in the second half. He recorded a steal, a block on consecutive possessions, and even forced a backcourt violation. Hines expressed confidence in Dillingham's talent and emphasized the need to harness it effectively over his NBA journey.

Leonard Miller, a second-year player, made an impact defensively and on the boards in the first half of the game. However, an unfortunate eye injury sustained while battling for a loose ball forced him to miss most of the second half. Despite Miller's absence, his hustle, rebounding, and defense contributed significantly, with him tallying 10 points, six rebounds, and three steals in just under 16 minutes.

Fortunately, Miller's injury is not expected to have long-term effects, and he is anticipated to return for the Timberwolves' next game on Sunday. His presence will be valuable as the team aims to build on their strong start in the summer league.

The Timberwolves' first-round picks had mixed experiences in their summer league debut, with Shannon Jr. leaving a lasting impression, displaying his offensive prowess and defensive prowess, while Dillingham focused on other aspects of his game. As the summer league progresses, both players will have the opportunity to continue developing their skills and contributing to the team's success.