The Bucks had a big miss in the 2024 NBA Draft when they took AJ Johnson over several superior options. Terrence Shannon Jr. was one of those alternatives, selected four spots after Johnson by the Timberwolves. On Sunday night, Shannon had a great showing playing the 3-and-D wing role that the Bucks desperately need.
Terrence Shannon Jr. would've been a great addition
Shannon was a unique prospect who is finding NBA success in a completely different way than his college career. During his time at the University of Illinois, he set the school record for points in a season as a primary option. But now he's settled into a nice complementary bench role.
Meanwhile, the Bucks offloaded Johnson to the Wizards in a trade that marked a downfall for franchise legend Khris Middleton. Selecting Johnson 23rd overall was a reach, and he never amounted to much in Milwaukee. Even now, he's struggling in Washington despite more opportunities.
Poor moves on the margins have put the Bucks in their unfortunate position today. Missing on nearly every recent draft pick has depleted their pipeline of young talent. There's a direct path from those picks to overpaying for free agents and trades. Now, the Bucks' only solution might be yet another desperate trade to refresh the roster.
The Bucks' draft failures stared them right in the face as Shannon had 11 points in just 12 minutes to help the Timberwolves pull out a close win. He was very efficient in his scoring, including hitting three threes. This season, he's really gotten comfortable shooting from outside and is averaging 42 percent from deep.
Additionally, Shannon has figured out how to use his 6-foot-6, 215 lbs frame to become an impactful defender. He's bought into an energy role off the bench and fits the Timberwolves' tenacious wing rotation well. The Bucks could really use another solid defender on the perimeter, especially one who shoots so well from outside.
At the same time, Shannon has the potential to break out for a high-scoring performance due to his confidence from his college days. In last season's Western Conference Finals, he even outscored Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the Timberwolves' lone win over the Thunder. When he has a mismatch or injuries force him into a bigger role, Shannon is capable of stepping up. That would make him a perfect fit on the current Bucks team lacking in talent while Giannis Antetokounmpo is sidelined.
Amidst the Bucks' other dubious moves as of late, it's easy to forget their draft blunders. But AJ Johnson was a major miss that potentially changed the franchise's direction for the worse. Later in the first round and even the second round of the 2024 Draft, multiple solid contributors were selected, and the Bucks didn't get any of them.