Tim Connelly's Rob Dillingham vision will soon be crystal clear

In the 2024 draft, Tim Connelly and the Minnesota Timberwolves traded up to the eighth overall pick to draft Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham. The Wolves gave up a 2030 pick swap and an unprotected 2031 pick to draft him.

After not playing much as a rookie (10.5 minutes, in 49 games), some people have already hit the panic button on Dillingham. However, doing so is foolish, and Dillingham is undoubtedly poised to play a significant role in the Wolves' rotation this season.

With Nickeil Alexander-Walker leaving in free agency and Mike Conley turning 38 before the start of the season, the opportunity for Dillingham is clear. Furthermore, despite ample opportunities, the Wolves have opted not to upgrade their point guard depth, signaling organizational belief in Dillingham. The 6-foot-1 guard might not have an ideal frame for NBA success, but Dillingham's skill set should give Wolves fans confidence that he can be the team's point guard of the future.

Having a younger point guard next to Anthony Edwards is ideal for the Wolves' future. After this season, I predict Connelly's gamble will pay off and Dillingham will look like a clear part of the Wolves' future.

Dillingham has the perfect skill set to solve the Timberwolves' flaws

Last year, it was clear that the Wolves needed more perimeter shot creation next to Edwards. Say what you will about Dillingham, but scoring and creating for himself is clearly his main strength. The Wolves specifically lacked a guard who could generate rim pressure last season. Again, that's Dillingham's bread and butter.

Dillingham has blazing speed and magnificent handles. He is also a crafty below-the-rim finisher. This skill set allows him to attack the rim at a high rate. Some of the best finishers in the league (and of all time) are smaller guards like Dillingham. He can also stop on a dime as a mid-range scorer and is a capable pull-up threat from beyond the arc.

In his limited minutes last season, Dillingham shot 52.5 percent on 3.8 drives per game. No player who was a mainstay in the Wolves' rotation shot higher than Dillingham's 52.5 percent on drives. Despite only exceeding 25 minutes in one game, Dillingham notched 10-plus points eight times. Additionally, 64.5 percent of Dillingham's baskets were unassisted. The point is, Dillingham can score and create for himself at a high level.

Passing will also be central to Dillingham's impact. He is a crafty playmaker who excels as both a drive-and-kick and a lob passer. While Dillingham still needs to work on cutting back on turnovers and orchestrating the offense, his upside as a passer is clear.

Given Dillingham's gifts as a scorer and passer, he is the perfect point guard next to Edwards for years to come. There will always be defensive concerns with a player of Dillingham's size. However, Minnesota has the ideal personnel to cover up for Dillingham's defense, and he has shown some positive signs as a defender.

Trading up for an unproven player in the draft will always be risky. After not playing much as a rookie, it's natural for there to be some dialogue around Connelly's decision. Regardless, he has the exact skill set Minnesota needs, and Connelly's gamble on Dillingham will be validated this season. Undoubtedly, having a young guard in Dillingham next to Edwards will be beneficial to the Wolves' future.