The Timberwolves made the first big trade of the 2024 NBA draft when they moved up to number eight overall. They traded two first-round picks in 2030 and 2031 to the Spurs for the rights to Rob Dillingham. If Dillingham’s rookie preview goes according to plan, this move should benefit the Timberwolves in their short and long-term goals.
Let’s take a look at Dillingham’s rookie preview for the upcoming season.
NBA Rookie Preview: Rob Dillingham
Prospect Profile
Dillingham was the 15th overall recruit in the nation, signing with Kentucky as a part of a loaded 2023 class. He played his high school basketball at three separate stops. He first attended Combine Academy in North Carolina before transferring to Donda Academy in California, and finally finishing in Atlanta with Overtime Elite. Dillingham was a heralded recruit, and he proved the hype with an outstanding freshman season at Kentucky. Along with another successful freshman teammate, Dillingham would win National Freshman of the Year honors.
As a player, Dillingham is a twitchy scorer who plays with a lot of flash. The major concern for Dillingham coming into the season was exactly what role he could fill at the next level. Measuring at six-foot-one and 164.2 pounds at the NBA combine, these concerns were warranted. Was he a ‘spark-off-the-bench’ microwave scorer? Can he play true point guard? Even if he can do those things, what about defense? Dillingham answered these questions at Kentucky by proving he could succeed at whatever role was needed. Once firmly in the rotation, he thrived with just about any lineup on the floor. This consistency and versatility combined with big scoring outings showed his upside despite his size. He’s been able to dish out assists, handle point guard responsibility, or even become an explosive scorer when needed. These past performances should help ease concerns for Dillingham’s rookie preview with the Timberwolves. He isn’t a perfect prospect, especially defensively, but he does a lot well.
Team Fit
Offensively, Dillingham looks NBA-ready. As mentioned though, one of his biggest deficiencies as a draft prospect was his defensive concerns given his size and frame.
Well, Minnesota has the perfect infrastructure to cover this weakness. There would be great defenders around him in Minnesota, and they’re all lengthy athletes. It’s hard to be a liability when surrounded by guys like Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels. For now, Dillingham will only have to succeed in a specific role for a team that’s a legitimate championship contender. It’s also a role that suits him best as he will likely be an injection of scoring and playmaking off the bench. As for the future, the Timberwolves are set for the long-term at pretty much every position except point guard. Mike Conley is a fantastic veteran player, but he’s also 36 years old. Dillingham will have the perfect opportunity to learn from him while being the backup, and then possibly be the long-term solution at point guard for the future.
Predictions
Dillingham is one of the rare rookies who is walking into almost a perfect team fit. He should get the perfect opportunity to offensively lead a championship-caliber team’s bench unit. With Dillingham’s natural talent and team fit, a dark horse Rookie of the Year run may not be out of the question. Making first or second-team All-Rookie should be very likely for Dillingham, especially if he stays healthy.
I do think there will be an adjustment for Dillingham to the NBA’s elite size and athleticism. If he can overcome that hurdle though, success will come. Not having to truly lead the Timberwolves, and only having to focus on his strengths should help his learning curve.
