Why Minnesota Timberwolves Fans Should Keep An Eye On Jared Terrell This Year

After making it to the playoffs last year for the first time since the 2003-04 season, the Minnesota Timberwolves have spent this offseason trying to improve their roster in an attempt to become one of the best teams in the Western Conference. Aside from the draft, they’ve spent the summer snagging more experienced talent that can give them a deeper rotation. The trio of talent that they picked up include James Nunnally, Anthony Tolliver and Luol Deng. In fact, that emphasis on veteran talent even spreads to two-way players as they signed 28-year-old wing CJ Williams, who was a solid rotation player last year for the LA Clippers.

While adding more veterans has been their main focus, Minnesota didn’t necessarily forget to sign younger players that they can develop in the G League with the Iowa Wolves. One of the prospects that Minnesota will hope to look to develop is current two-way prospect and former Rhode Island guard Jared Terrell.

During his senior season, he shined as he averaged 16.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals on 43% from the field and 41% from beyond the arc on 5.3 perimeter shots per game. Those solid numbers allowed him to be named to the Atlantic 10 All-Conference First Team, where he joined current Atlanta Hawks two-way prospect Jaylen Adams.

As evident from those numbers, Terrell main skill on the offensive end would be his perimeter shooting as he was just the epitome of efficiency as a senior. However, that proficiency is actually relatively new as he only shot 35% from beyond the arc during both his sophomore and junior seasons.

That progression likely has something to do with how he’s developed into a fantastic catch-and-shoot weapon. Within that area, Terrell is truly able to show off his pretty jumper as all he really needs to focus on is getting into his position, capturing the ball and then hoisting up a perimeter jumper. During his time at Rhode Island, he showed a willingness to hoist up jumpers from well beyond the NCAA 3-point line, even if he’s playing in the NCAA Tournament.

While Terrell’s capable of shooting from any different angle, the vast majority of his shots come from working on the corners. Although it would be good for him to shine as an off-the-dribble threat to help diversify his offensive arsenal, it’s honestly hard to get upset at that as teams at every level are hungry for players that can shoot 40% or better from 3.

Although he’s superb in the catch-and-shoot, Terrell has shown that he can shine as an off-the-dribble threat when he’s working inside the perimeter. In regards to mid-range shooting, he’s shown an ability to create his own shot from either utilizing off-ball screens or some step-back moves. Meanwhile, the 6’3 guard is a solid on-ball driver that can use a nice first step to drive past that perimeter defender. Following that, he can either use his strong 200 pound frame to finish at the rim or put up a little floater if the paint is too crowded.

One area where Terrell will need to improve upon when he lands in the G League is facilitating. During his senior year, he averaged 2.4 assists per game with a 1.4 Ast/TO ratio. Although those low numbers might’ve been due to the presence of pass-first guard Jeff Dowlin, the Rhode Island alum hasn’t really showcased the type of facilitating skills like working with a roll man or being a drive-and-dish threat.

Fortunately, he’ll have a full season to grow as a facilitator in the G League as a member of the Iowa Wolves. Due to his status as a two-way player, Terrell’s development will be a top priority as the Timberwolves obviously believe that he can eventually develop to be part of their rotation in the future. To help make that future into a reality, the T-Wolves will likely hope that he progresses as a facilitator and become more comfortable with working as a point guard. That might be a struggle for the young player as he mostly worked at shooting guard or small forward during his career at Rhode Island.

Although Terrell could experience issues with Iowa as he’ll try to improve as a facilitator, he’ll have an opportunity to work alongside fellow two-way prospect CJ Williams. The two could be a good pairing as the Clipper alum has a great perimeter shot, which should allow him to be a solid target for Terrell to pass it to in drive-and-dish opportunities.

While he’ll experience some initial struggles as he tries to develop as a facilitator, Terrell is still a player for fans to keep an eye on. Because despite some flaws, he’s still a fantastic perimeter shooter that can also drive to the rim and use his strong 200 frame to finish around contact. Despite his smaller frame, the two-way prospect should still be a solid defender in the G League as he can stay in front of on-ball drivers and also work the passing lanes. That second skill allowed him to average 1.5 steals per game as a senior.

If Terrell can combine those established traits with improved facilitating skills, it might not be long until we see him be in an NBA rotation. Until then, G League fans will be in luck as they’ll get an opportunity to watch Jared Terrell play with the Iowa Wolves when the season tips off in November.