Recently, the Minnesota Timberwolves drafted two high-upside centers, first selecting Joan Beringer with the 17th pick and later Rocco Zikarsky with the 45th pick. Some people were surprised that the Wolves opted not to improve their main need of playmaking and perimeter shot creation. However, this reflects a high level of confidence in Rob Dillingham. After the draft, Tim Connelly was asked about the decision not to draft a point guard, and Dillingham.
“I think Rob looks fantastic, I think he had moments when he played last year, that were not just impactful for himself but impactful for team success… we’re excited, he brings a dynamic that we lack otherwise… I think they’ve all created a bit more trust with the coaching staff which should allow them to take on bigger and more prominent roles,” Connelly said.
Undoubtedly, this is high praise for Dillingham. Entering his second year, Dillingham feels poised for a bigger role and a breakout season.
Dillingham is the perfect point guard for the Wolves
The Wolves traded up to the 8th pick to draft Dillingham in the 2024 draft. However, during Dillingham’s rookie year, he didn’t play much, averaging 10.5 minutes, 4.5 points, and 2 assists across 49 games. Dillingham dealt with ankle injuries throughout his rookie season, but he was never a real part of the Wolves’ rotation. Regardless, he showed plenty of flashes. When Dillingham played 20 minutes or more, he averaged 11.6 points and 5.6 assists.
With a bigger role, Dillingham could average similar numbers for the season. Dillingham was drafted to be Mike Conley’s successor. Notably, Conley will turn 38 before the start of next season and showed signs last season that he may not be able to handle such a significant role. Dillingham may take over as the starting point guard or become a prominent player off the bench. He has the upside to blossom into a star, and it could start with a bigger role next season.
You can see talent by how some dudes move on the court sometimes, and Rob Dillingham is an example of that. He was really good this season when he knew he was getting 20+ minutes a night. A summer of work+role consistency=strong year two, imo https://t.co/qhMKQDecgp
— Wilder Adams (@whatsontapnba) May 29, 2025
Dillingham is a gifted three-level scorer with dazzling speed and playmaking chops. Having a point guard who can create his own shot, generate rim pressure, and playmake gives the Wolves a different element in the backcourt and increases their offensive upside.
There are concerns about Dillingham’s defense given his 6-foot-1 height and wiry frame. Regardless, the Wolves have the defensive personnel to cover up for Dillingham’s deficiencies. Furthermore, Dillingham posted a solid 43.2 defensive field goal percentage and barely hurt the Wolves’ defense when he was on the court.
The Wolves' need for perimeter shot creation and playmaking next to Anthony Edwards was obvious in the Western Conference Finals. Dillingham is perfectly equipped to solve this issue and have a breakout season. Not playing a ton during Dillingham’s rookie year likely helped him adjust to the NBA and could benefit him long-term.
After their draft strategy and Connelly’s comments, it’s clear the Wolves believe in Dillingham. Ultimately, expect Dillingham to have a key role for the Timberwolves next season.