Rob Dillingham Begins to Shine for Timberwolves

Draft Night Surprise

At the 2024 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves made one of the more surprising moves of the night by trading a 2031 first-round pick and a 2030 first-round pick swap to acquire the No. 8 overall selection. With that pick, they selected Kentucky point guard Rob Dillingham, a dynamic 6-foot-1 scorer known for his shiftiness, speed, and offensive versatility.

College Success at Kentucky

Dillingham, a member of the final Kentucky team coached by John Calipari, was part of the country's top-ranked recruiting class in 2023. He made an immediate impact in college, averaging 15.2 points per game, the second-highest on the team behind Antonio Reeves. Despite coming off the bench for most of the season, he showcased his elite scoring ability, including a standout 35-point performance against Tennessee. His efficiency from beyond the arc was particularly impressive, as he connected on 44.4% of his three-point attempts, ranking as one of the most accurate long-range shooters in Kentucky history.

Early Challenges in the NBA

His transition to the NBA, however, has presented challenges. Dillingham has played just 28 games in his rookie season, averaging 9.4 minutes per game. Part of his limited playing time has been due to a right ankle sprain, but he has also faced stiff competition for minutes in a crowded Timberwolves backcourt. With established guards ahead of him in the rotation, finding consistent opportunities to showcase his skills has been a work in progress.

His first NBA start came in a key moment for the Timberwolves, as they faced the Portland Trail Blazers while missing key players, including Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and Mike Conley. Dillingham stepped up, recording eight points, six assists, and a steal in 23 minutes, helping Minnesota secure a 114-98 victory. His ability to facilitate the offense and provide energy was a promising sign of his potential.

Looking Ahead

Dillingham continued to make an impact off the bench in subsequent games, including a 13-point, three-assist performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite Minnesota’s loss, he led all bench players in scoring and assists, demonstrating his ability to contribute in a meaningful way.

Despite the limited minutes, Dillingham has begun to find his footing. Over a recent 10-game stretch, he has averaged 8.4 points on 51% shooting, along with 3.5 assists and 1.7 steals per game. His efficiency from three-point range remains a strong suit, as he has converted 45% of his attempts during this span. These numbers reflect his ability to contribute when given the opportunity.

As Dillingham adjusts to the NBA, his combination of scoring, passing, and defensive activity suggests he has the potential to develop into a key rotational piece for the Timberwolves. While his minutes remain inconsistent, his efficiency and ability to produce when called upon bode well for his future. If he continues to adapt and earn the trust of the coaching staff, Rob Dillingham could emerge as a valuable asset in Minnesota’s quest for sustained success.