Rob Dillingham's one-and-a-half-year tenure with the Minnesota Timberwolves showed that he was a raw young player. This season, he averaged just 3.5 points and 1.7 assists on 33.3/36.4/75 shooting splits, and he failed to crack the rotation despite being a lottery pick in 2024.
However, the Chicago Bulls were hoping that a change of scenery and more minutes could help him show that he's ready to contribute at a more consistent level. They took a flyer on him and Leonard Miller while netting four second-round picks in exchange for Ayo Dosunmu and Julian Phillips.
12 games into Dillingham's Bulls tenure, and he's proven to be just as raw. Thus far, the Kentucky product is averaging 6.5 points, 3.0 assists, and 3.0 rebounds on 36.9/19.2/78.6 shooting splits.
I refuse to give up on a second-year guard like Dillingham -- especially because I have long been a staunch supporter of him. Regardless, if Dillingham becomes a quality rotational player, it will clearly take some time.
Rob Dillingham has proven that he's still very raw
Dillingham has certainly shown some promise during his time in Chicago. Notably, he recorded 16 points and seven assists against the Boston Celtics shortly before the All-Star break. Nevertheless, he's also had low points, such as a six-point game on 2-for-9 shooting against the Hornets.
At 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, Dillingham's size has made it difficult for him at the NBA level. He has shifty handles and explosive speed, but this slight frame makes it challenging for him to finish around the rim. That, coupled with his jump shot falling off a cliff from his college days (44.4 percent from 3-point range in college), makes it hard for him to contribute offensively. In the unfortunate event that Dillingham becomes a true bust, size will be at the center of his shortcomings.
Furthermore, he isn't a great floor general either, and sometimes struggles to make the right reads as a playmaker. Defensively, Dillingham fights his tail off, but there's always going to be concerns. Luckily, Dillingham has found a niche as a defensive playmaker using his quickness to disrupt opponents. Notably, he ranks in the 84th percentile for steal percentage per 100 possessions and the 78th percentile for deflections per 100 possessions.
All in all, this makes Dillingham a very raw and erratic young player. Chicago likely hoped to get more consistent production out of Dillingham when they traded for him at the deadline. Regardless, the Bulls are in a spot where they can focus on his development, and there have been some signs of his upside.
It will take some time, and he's certainly still green, but there's a chance Dillingham blossoms into a real rotational player in Chicago.