Rob Dillingham is on thin ice in the Wolves' rotation as a surprise player emerges

Second-year guard Rob Dillingham is struggling to find his footing in the Minnesota Timberwolves rotation. Dillingham was widely expected to assume a bigger role following the loss of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Mike Conley aging. However, the Kentucky product is averaging just 10.1 minutes (a reduction from last year), 3.7 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists on 34.8/28.6/69.2 shooting splits.

During Monday night's 108-105 loss to the Phoenix Suns, things went from bad to worse for Dillingham as he didn't see the court. Instead, Chris Finch turned to Bones Hyland, who played 15:47 minutes, including 6:52 minutes in the fourth quarter. Hyland didn't just play big minutes; he played well, posting 14 points (four 3-pointers) and three assists.

Hyland playing important fourth quarter minutes highlights Finch's trust and willingness to ride the hot hand. However, it also shows just how much the Wolves need a scoring punch off the bench. Notably, Hyland accounted for all but nine of the Wolves' bench points, and the team ranks 28th for bench scoring.

Given how well Hyland played and that Dillingham has struggled, it's fair to believe that Hyland could snag Dillingham's spot in the rotation at least for now. In fact, I would consider it likely. Let us not forget that Hyland started the season playing over Dillingham.

Bones Hyland looks like a better version of Rob Dillingham

The Wolves are in a tough spot with Dillingham. On one hand, you don't want to punt on your 2024 lottery pick, who you traded two first-round picks to get. Still, Dillingham has struggled in his minutes this season. At the end of the day, the Wolves' main priority is winning, not developing their young talent.

I've advocated for Finch to be more patient with Dillingham. Regardless, at some point, you have to start showing something on the court, and unfortunately, Dillingham hasn't yet. Dillingham looks like he's lost his confidence and is passive on the floor. With winning in mind, it's hard to justify Dillingham playing real minutes, especially with Bones on the bench.

Minnesota needs a guard who can provide a scoring punch and generate rim pressure off the bench. Both Dillingham and Hyland fit this mold as a smaller microwave guard. Nonetheless, Bones is 25 and Dillingham is 20. Currently, Hyland is more ready to contribute and is a better version of Dillingham.

That's the reality the Wolves are battling with. Even I, as a long-time Dillingham supporter, can't help but admit it's true. I still believe in Dillingham's long-term upside, but in year two, he looks very raw.

In 21 games, Dillingham has scored over 10 points once and zero points seven times. While Hyland hit four 3-pointers on Monday, Dillingham has netted six triples all year.

Ultimately, for now, it's fair to believe that Finch will keep going back to Hyland. Of course, it's a fluid situation, and things can change quickly. Nevertheless, this major shake-up in the Wolves' rotation seems likely.