Coming into the season, there were more than a few NBA analysts who were somewhat skeptical as to whether the Timberwolves could repeat the success they had had over the last two seasons. One of the main reasons for this was the point guard position. Mike Conley is 38 years old. Donte DiVincenzo was rumored to possibly be (and eventually became) their starting point guard despite that not being his natural spot on the floor.
When Minnesota made the deal to acquire the eighth overall pick and select Rob Dillingham in the 2024 NBA Draft, he was supposed to alleviate some of the issues that the team would face at the position with Conley aging. After an uneven rookie season with inconsistent playing time, it has been more of the same for Dillingham early into his second year.
Rob Dillingham yet to pay dividends for Minnesota
On his most recent episode of his podcast, Zach Lowe discussed random questions one week into the NBA season with Kirk Goldsberry. The point guard position (particularly Dillingham) for the Timberwolves was brought up.
"To me, that’s a glaring issue that you went in on the #8 pick and essentially got him last year, and this dude can’t even get out there and give you quality minutes in Year 2 at a position where you need him, Goldsberry said. That’s bad…this is a team that has been knocking on the door of greatness here for a few years…Part of the reason you got Dillingham is because you knew you were going to have this (point guard) issue."
In the Timberwolves’ close victory over the Trail Blazers on opening night, Dillingham never got off the bench. He finally got action in the floor in the fourth quarter of their second outing against the Lakers. About a minute into his first bit of playing time, an accidental elbow to his face by Deandre Ayton fractured Dillingham's nose.
That forced the 20-year-old to miss the following game against the Pacers. He returned (while donning a facemark) in Monday’s loss to the Nuggets. Now, while Bones Hyland did play more minutes total in the game, Dillingham played more in the first three quarters. He made his only two shots, dished out two assists, but also turned it over three times.
It wasn’t Hyland’s best performance either. Still, he has played 58 total minutes this season compared to Dillingham’s 13. Hyland was barely used by Minnesota when he joined the team last season, and Dillingham was expected to be ahead of him on the depth chart.
Dillingham has opportunity with Anthony Edwards out
Minnesota saw Anthony Edwards sidelined for the first time this season on Monday with a strained hamstring. The 24-year-old superstar is expected to miss at least a few more outings.
His absence (along with Jaylen Clark being out) allowed Chris Finch to add someone to his rotation, and that was Dillingham. Conley also returned to the starting lineup. So it seems as if Dillingham may have a few more opportunities to receive minutes before Edwards returns.
It is vital that Dillingham does enough to show Finch that he should remain in the rotation. If not, he may remain behind Hyland on the depth chart, and the Timberwolves may look to upgrade at point guard via trade at some point this year.