As any rookie to step foot on the NBA’s hardwood is likely to attest, the goal of checking off milestones immediately upon entry is certainly the goal. Though, for Terrence Shannon Jr., if there were a “perfect” time and place for his delayed regular-season arrival to take shape, the Chicago Bulls’ United Center would undoubtedly be the No. 1 choice. As respected and revered as they come along basketball’s Midwest region, the 2024 No. 27 pick works urgently in turning his homecoming into a trending topic, blazing past Chris Duarte’s closeout to create a reasonably-open driving path. Finding only fellow NBA Draft classmate Matas Buzelis now standing in his way, the former Fighting Illini star balances into a soft-touch left-hander, collecting his NBA career’s first points. With victory secured, the Minnesota Timberwolves rookie had another crowd-rocking display stashed away a half-minute later, turning in an emphatic steal-and-slam, giving him both an efficient four-point, one-steal contribution in just two minutes time, and November 7, 2024's final statement. · Nov 8, 2024