During their Western Conference Finals loss, the Minnesota Timberwolves' lack of ball handling and a traditional point guard were on display. At 37, Mike Conley's scoring has significantly declined, and he's not capable of being the lone rotational point guard for Minnesota. In the playoffs, Conley averaged 6 points and 3.3 assists on 30 percent shooting from the field. Conley's lack of scoring and rim pressure are problematic. While he still makes a positive impact as a playmaker, the Wolves' point guard depth is a clear flaw. The Timberwolves averaged 17.4 turnovers against the Thunder which was central to their shortcomings.
As Conley ages this will only continue to be a bigger problem. He is still a serviceable rotational point guard but no longer capable of receiving 30-plus minutes a night. As a result, the Timberwolves will need to find someone to take minutes away from Conley and balance out the rotation. Anthony Edwards benefited heavily from playing next to a traditional point guard. Luckily for the Wolves, they have the perfect solution to this Conley problem on the roster.
Rob Dillingham can help solve the Wolves' Conley problem
Enter Rob Dillingham, the No. 8 pick in the 2024 draft. The Timberwolves traded up for Dillingham in the draft with the hopes of him being Conley's replacement. Despite not playing much as a rookie, Dillingham's upside is clear, and he's poised for a bigger role next season. Dillingham showed plenty of flashes in the limited minutes he received as a rookie.
In 49 games as a rookie, Dillingham averaged 10.5 minutes, 4.5 points, and 2 assists. He notably scored 10 or more points in eight games despite never exceeding more than 25 minutes. Dillingham is a gifted three-level scorer and shot-creator. Additionally, he is a dazzling ball handler and crafty playmaker who takes care of the ball. When Dillingham played 20 or more minutes he averaged 11.6 points and 5.6 assists.
As a speedy shot creator who can generate rim pressure, Dillingham gives the Wolves a different element. In Game 5 against the Thunder, Dillingham racked up seven minutes in just as many minutes. Given his skill set and solid flashes, it could be argued the Wolves could have given him some minutes in the playoffs. With consistent minutes Dillingham could be in line for a breakout season.
The main concern with Dillingham that held him back from earning regular minutes was his defense. At 6-foot-1 175 pounds, Dillingham is an easy player to target. He undoubtedly needs to bulk up and improve his defense this offseason and defense will always be challenging as a smaller guard.
However, much of his defensive concerns are overstated. For starters, the Wolves have an elite defense with size and versatility to cover up Dillingham's shortcomings. Furthermore, Dillingham posted a respectable defensive field goal percentage of 43.2 and the Wolves defense was only marginally worse with him on the court.
Dillingham getting a bigger role in the offense will not only be crucial considering Conley's age but also the possible departure of Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Ultimately, expect Dillingham to have a bigger role next season and for this decision to benefit the Wolves.