The Minnesota Timberwolves are clearly on the brink of a championship after back-to-back conference finals runs. With Anthony Edwards and a loaded supporting cast, the Wolves are perfectly positioned to make a title run. Despite having plenty of depth and two-way balance, the Wolves' most notable flaw is point guard play.
The Wolves opted not to upgrade their point guard depth, reflecting a clear belief in second-year guard Rob Dillingham. Despite playing limited minutes as a rookie, Dillingham’s offensive upside is clear, and he has the ideal skill set to fill Minnesota’s point guard hole. Given this, Dillingham will be one of the deciding factors in the Wolves reaching their championship aspirations.
Dillingham has the exact skill set Minnesota needs
Dillingham’s offensive prowess as a shifty three-level scorer is undeniable. His ability to create shots for himself and generate rim pressure fills a crucial need for Minnesota. Furthermore, he is a dynamic playmaker both as a ball handler and passer. This blend of shot creation and playmaking is exactly what the Wolves need.
With Mike Conley turning 38 before the start of this upcoming season and his declining offensive game, Dillingham is primed for a bigger role. Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s departure also opens up more opportunities for Rob. It’s possible Dillingham’s dynamic scoring and playmaking abilities take the Wolves to the next level.
some Rob Dillingham buckets: pic.twitter.com/Z9Rqnq1veJ
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) February 10, 2025
Despite Dillingham's talent it's unclear how much of a role he can play
While Dillingham offers immense upside and could have a breakout season, putting this much pressure on a 20-year-old guard is inherently risky. As a rookie, Dillingham barely played, averaging 10.5 minutes across 49 games, totaling just 516 minutes. Going from this to being a key contributor on a title team is a massive jump.
Dillingham is a gifted scorer, but it’s unclear how efficient he can be. Similarly, it’s not clear if he can be a primary decision-maker despite his solid passing chops. However, at 6-foot-1, the biggest concern with Dillingham’s game is his defense. Given his size and slight frame, Dillingham will constantly be hunted on defense. The Wolves have the personnel to cover up Dillingham’s deficiencies, but it’s still a flaw worth mentioning.
Minnesota will have to give Dillingham at least 20 minutes a game, given their need for a point guard. Crucially, playing next to a point guard maximizes Edwards’ skill set. It’s possible that Dillingham has a breakout season and that his offensive gifts help elevate the Wolves to a title run. However, it’s also a possibility that Dillingham still isn’t ready for this significant role of a contending team, and the Wolves will have to shake up their roster at the trade deadline.
Ultimately, Dillingham’s growth will be a key story this upcoming season, and only time will tell if Dillingham is ready to help lead the Wolves to a title or if he needs more time to develop.