Terrence Shannon Jr. had already been giving Chris Finch reasons to trust him. Now the Minnesota Timberwolves need that progress to translate into greater responsibility.

Anthony Edwards’ expected absence following right-knee surgery leaves Minnesota without its leading scorer and most dependable source of difficult offense. LaMelo Ball will carry more of the creation, but replacing Edwards requires contributions throughout the rotation.

Shannon has put himself in position to provide one.

He scored 14 points and added five assists in Monday’s overtime loss to Cleveland, continuing a productive opening stretch. More significantly, his improving defense is addressing the concern that could have limited his opportunities.

The Wolves suddenly need more offense from their supporting cast. Shannon’s work at the other end is helping him earn the minutes to deliver it.

Shannon has changed how he defends

Finch’s recent praise has focused on specific improvements.

“There’s been great growth there,” he said after Minnesota’s win over Toronto in his postgame press conference. “His contain, his routes, he’s not fouling — he used to be a high-foul guy.”

That assessment describes a player becoming more reliable possession by possession. Staying in front, navigating actions correctly and avoiding unnecessary fouls all make it easier for Finch to leave Shannon on the floor. Shannon’s explanation is equally concrete. He believes greater attention to preparation is allowing him to apply pressure more intelligently.

“I feel like the game’s slowing down for me more,” Shannon told Sarah Todd of the Minnesota Star Tribune. “I’m paying closer attention to the scouting report, just being locked in, getting more into the ball.”

He also identified something he wants to leave behind.

“My first two years, I was not really getting into the ball,” Shannon said. “I was playing with a gap on everybody.”

He now feels more aggressive while playing smarter. That combination matters. Pressure loses its value if it repeatedly produces fouls or opens an easy driving lane. Shannon is trying to make opponents uncomfortable while remaining connected to the team’s coverage.

Finch already sees more offensive responsibility for Shannon

Minnesota’s coach had been expanding Shannon’s role before the Edwards news. After the season opener, Finch explained why he wanted Shannon initiating possessions rather than spending so much time waiting away from the ball.

“He’s very effective with the ball in his hands,” Finch noted after the season opener.

Finch described him as functioning like a point guard in those situations, pressuring the defense early and looking more comfortable operating from the top of the floor.

That ability becomes more useful without Edwards.

Ball will remain the primary organizer, and Ayo Dosunmu offers another established option. Shannon gives Minnesota an additional player who can advance the ball, attack an opening and make the next decision.

His five assists against Cleveland illustrated the potential value. Minnesota needs more than someone willing to absorb available shot attempts. It needs players who can help possessions develop into good opportunities.

Ball sounds enthusiastic about Shannon’s range of offensive tools.

“He can drive like no other,” Ball commented in his Toronto postgame interview. “His left is super strong. Get to the rack, shoot the three. I love how TJ plays.”

Shannon showed that versatility against Toronto, scoring 15 points on 5-for-6 shooting and making all three of his attempts from deep.

The next step is consistency

A larger opportunity does not guarantee a breakout. Shannon will face more defensive attention, and Minnesota’s lineups will change without Edwards drawing so much of it.

Finch has already identified the standard.

“The next step for you is not doing more,” he said when discussing Shannon after the Orlando victory. “It’s doing the things you can do more often.”

That advice remains relevant even as the team asks for more production. Shannon does not need to imitate Edwards or force a starring role. He needs to repeat the habits that have made him useful: decisive attacks, timely passes, disciplined defense and readiness when the ball arrives.

Finch also wants better rebounding, calling it the remaining piece that would help Shannon’s lineup. Availability matters, too. Shannon told the Star Tribune his offseason goal was to play all 82 games, describing changes to his diet and an increased commitment to caring for his body.

Minnesota now has an extended stretch in which those preparations could become especially important. Shannon was already building a case for greater trust. Edwards’ absence has made the team’s need more urgent — and given him a chance to show how much of that trust he can handle.