Rob Dillingham garners attention in new NBA executive poll

On the night the Minnesota Timberwolves took a big risk and traded up to acquire Rob Dillingham with the eighth-overall selection, many were already looking at the move as a slam dunk. The University of Kentucky guard is immensely talented and was highly coveted by teams across the association on draft night.

Now, it seems that he is continuing to be looked upon favorably by people around the association. Recently, ESPN talked with 18 NBA coaches, scouts, and executives and conducted a poll regarding some of the most significant offseason moves around the league, as well as their implications for the coming season (subscription required).

Dillingham's name was mentioned when executives were asked what they thought was the best move of the NBA offseason. Six people answered Paul George's signing with the 76ers, five went with Alex Caruso's trade to the Thunder, three said Jalen Brunson's contract extension in New York, two answered Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signing with the Magic, one said Mikal Bridges being traded by the Nets, and finally, one said Rob Dillingham being drafted by the Timberwolves.

One executive: MIN drafting Dillingham was best move of NBA offseason

Right away, we see that every other move listed here was concerning a free agency signing or some type of offseason trade for an already-established player. Dillingham's inclusion is the only entry that mentions a newly-drafted player. If that does not speak to the genius of Minnesota President Tim Connelly, I am not sure what does.

We already knew that the Timberwolves got a special player in Rob, but this survey only serves to further highlight that belief. His value to this team was always going to exist without the opinion of various public figures, but the fact that he is being mentioned in this way outside of Minnesota circles is certainly telling.

It is clear that the hype around Dillingham is only going to continue to grow, and rightfully so. Rob is one of the most talented players in his draft class. Were he not on a supremely talented and veteran-laden team, he would absolutely be in the preliminary discussions for 2025 Rookie of the Year.