It's obvious that the Timberwolves coaching staff believes in Rob Dillingham

As we look back on the events of the last two months, it becomes pretty clear that the trajectory for the Minnesota Timberwolves' rookie class changed the day they opted to trade away Karl-Anthony Towns and bring in two veterans to replace him. Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. are both exciting young talents in their own right, and both came in expecting to have some kind of spot in the rotation.

But after Minnesota's front office made a last-minute change, there was all of a sudden less room to play the two rookies, despite their talent level. Of higher priority was getting Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo acclimated, and finding a winning formula with two new starter-level guys on the roster.

As such, Dillingham and Shannon have been learning and growing more in the shadows than out in the open. That clearly does not mean that progress is not being made, as Chris Finch spoke glowingly of Dillingham while speaking with media last week.

We are also starting to see the kind of belief the coaching staff has in Rob through the type of meaningful game experience they are allowing him to gain at this early stage. A lesser-trusted player would still only be playing late in blowout games, but the Timberwolves are starting to get Dillingham early and more meaningful action.

Minnesota's trust in Dillingham was evident in game at Boston

During Sunday's game at the Boston Celtics, Finch subbed Rob into the contest for Jaden McDaniels with 2:50 remaining in the first quarter. Dillingham got to work immediately, showing off his confidence and knocking down two quick shots before the end of the first frame.

By the end of the game, the first-round draft pick had played a season-high 16 minutes and scored 14 points on 60% efficiency. He not only looked steady with his handle and decision-making (zero turnovers) but his outside shot was sharp as well, notching two three-point makes.

This was no throw-away game, either. You won't find a more significant opponent than the defending champions, and Minnesota played the Celtics tough until the final possession. The fact that the Timberwolves trusted Dillingham enough to play him this heavily in this kind of intense game speaks volumes about their belief in him.

Rob has been steadily learning from his veteran teammates, but it is clear that he is ready to step in and give the Wolves a lift whenever his name is called. His raw talent is undeniable, and it is exciting to think what kind of future lies ahead for him.