During Rob Dillingham’s rookie season, he didn’t play much, averaging 10.5 minutes and 4.5 points across 49 games. However, this was largely viewed as a development season for Dillingham, whom the Minnesota Timberwolves traded up to draft with the No. 8 pick. With Mike Conley turning 38 before the 2025-26 season, paired with Dillingham’s dynamic skill set, he feels poised for a sizable role in the Wolves rotation.
Most recently, in summer league, Dillingham averaged 17.3 points and 6.5 assists. While it’s only summer league, this showcased Dillingham’s gifts as a three-level scorer and shifty playmaker. Let’s dive into the exact role Dillingham will play in his second season.
Dillingham is poised to play real minutes
With Nickeil Alexander-Walker leaving, the Wolves have 25.3 minutes to divvy around. Paired with a likely reduced role for Conley and Dillingham, has a clear path to minutes. Given Conley’s history as a starter, he feels likely to remain in the starting lineup at least to begin the season.
However, Dillingham will play a crucial role as a scoring punch off the bench. During the Wolves’ Western Conference Finals series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, it was clear Minnesota needed another point guard, especially one with shot creation chops. Given this and what the Wolves gave up for Dillingham, he is poised for a bigger role. Even in Dillingham's limited minutes as a rookie, he showed off his impressive skill set.
Even if Conley remains a starter, Dillingham will likely receive more minutes or at least come close to splitting time with him. For reference, this past season Conley received the eighth most minutes on the team despite starting. With the Wolves looking to give Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. bigger roles, Conley could slip to the ninth-most minutes on the team. This paves the way for Dillingham to receive the seventh or eighth most minutes on the team.
Dillingham's skill set will be valuable to the Wolves
Keeping Dillingham or Conley on the court for at least most of the game is logical given that Anthony Edwards thrives next to a traditional point guard. While Dillingham is more of a score-first point guard, he still is a proficient playmaker, which will be a key part of his impact. Dillingham won’t run an offense like Conley, but he is a high-level passer, especially on drive-and-kick plays and lobs. His abilities as a lob threat will benefit Rudy Gobert and Joan Beringer when he plays.
Rob Dillingham passing highlights from his rookie season pic.twitter.com/ZDvikksxvh
— Eamon Cassels (@EamonCassels) July 5, 2025
Dillingham’s ability to generate rim pressure and create shots for himself, paired with his playmaking, makes him prepared for NBA minutes. This skill set will undoubtedly increase the Timberwolves’ offensive upside. In summer league, Dillingham showed improved defense. It remains to be seen if he can do this in a true NBA setting, and his size (6-foot-1) will always make him a clear defensive target. Regardless, his summer league play is an encouraging sign.
Ultimately, as Dillingham enters his second season, expect him to play a sizable role in the Wolves rotation.