Undoubtedly, one of the most intriguing aspects of the Minnesota Timberwolves' upcoming season is second-year guard Rob Dillingham getting a bigger role. Mike Conley turns 38 before the start of the year, and he has already shown signs of decline. Plus, the Wolves need even more ball handling with the departure of Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Dillingham didn't play much as a rookie, but his knack for shot creation and ability to score at all three levels are encouraging signs. Still, the Wolves will also be counting Dillingham as a playmaker. This is an area of Dillingham's game that is underrated, but also something where the former lottery pick still has room for growth.
Giving Dillingham these needed reps as a playmaker will be vital. Nevertheless, it will also require patience from Chris Finch, and there could be some growing pains.
Dillingham's growth as a playmaker will be key
Dillingham averaged just 10.5 minutes, 4.5 points, and 2 assists as a rookie. Despite only exceeding 25 or more minutes once, Dillingham notched five-plus assists seven times last season. Furthermore, he averaged 6.8 assists per 36 minutes. However, Dillingham also averaged 1.1 turnovers and 3.6 turnovers per 36 minutes.
The Kentucky product is a versatile passer who especially excels as a lob passer. With Dillingham's blazing speed and ability to generate rim pressure, he also thrives as a passer on drive-and-kick plays.
Rob Dillingham passing highlights from his rookie season pic.twitter.com/ZDvikksxvh
— Eamon Cassels (@EamonCassels) July 5, 2025
Regardless, in college and high school, Dillingham was primarily counted on as a scorer. The Wolves will look to utilize Dillingham more as a facilitator. As he's just 20 years old and his main skill is scoring, this will take time.
Finch and the Wolves must practice patience, which is easier said than done for a team with title hopes. Dillingham needs reps to grow, but the Wolves also need to win games in a loaded Western Conference. How long this process will take is unclear. I lean on the optimistic side, given the positive flashes Dillingham has already shown as a playmaker and the Wolves' overall talent. Still, there will certainly be some growing pains at least early on in the season.
With Conley possibly retiring after this season, Dillingham is clearly the Wolves' point guard of the future. As a result, it will be paramount to give Dillingham ample opportunity. Even if giving Dillingham a massive role means the Wolves lose a few extra games, the long-term benefits are worth it.
It's possible to win at a high level while developing Dillingham, but some growing pains should be expected
Since I am optimistic about Dillingham, I don't expect his getting a bigger role to result in a ton of extra losses, but the possibility must be accounted for. It's a real possibility that the Wolves have a better record even while developing Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr., and Jaylen Clark.
Having Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo already used to the team will be a massive benefit. The Wolves finished the year with a 17-4 record in their last 21 games and dominated in the first two rounds of the playoffs.
Consequently, they can thrive as a team and develop Dillingham (and the other young guys) at the same time. However, this will be far from an easy process, and patience will be key early in the season.