Timberwolves should make their stance on Rob Dillingham clear

Often, the second season in an NBA player’s career can be a pivotal one. A rookie season involves getting acclimated to a new team, better competition, a longer schedule, and more pressure from the fanbase. Many of these first-year players are also spending just one year at college, so they’re taking a large step forward at the age of 18 or 19.

After a nondescript rookie year, many eyes are on Rob Dillingham of the Timberwolves this season. Most are expecting the second-year player to take a larger role in 2025-26, especially after losing Nickeil Alexander-Walker in free agency and Mike Conley being yet another year older. With free agency rumors revolving around Minnesota adding a floor general with one of their open roster spots, they need to make their stance on Dillingham clear.

Dillingham didn't play much during his rookie year

The Timberwolves let it be known from the get-go that Dillingham was someone they wanted. That is because they gave up two first-round picks (2030 pick swap, 2031 is their own pick) to the Spurs for the eighth overall selection in 2024, which was used on the 6-foot-1 guard. He was coming off a freshman year at Kentucky, where he averaged 15.2 points and connected on 44.4% of his three-point tries.

Wolves fans were excited to see the lottery pick join their squad, one that came three wins shy of the NBA finals in 2024. Once the season began, though, and throughout the year, they didn’t see a lot of him. During their playoff run, which again ended in the Western Conference Finals, Dillingham appeared in just three of their 15 postseason outings for a total of 16 minutes. In the regular season, there were just six games in which he saw more than 20 minutes of action.

While Dillingham’s shooting numbers can be seen as disappointing (33.8 3PT%, 53.3 FT%), the sample size of 74 three-point and 15 free-throw attempts isn’t enough to get too worried. 

While the Wolves haven’t been too busy during the offseason, other than re-signing Julius Randle and Naz Reid, there have been rumors as to what they will do with their two remaining roster spots. Even if they do decide to keep one open, a lot of speculation has involved around adding a point guard. One name that has frequently been brought up is Malcolm Brogdon. 

Signing a guard like Brogdon would make the Wolves' thoughts on Dillingham clear

Signing a proven (yet injury-prone) player in Brogdon can be seen as a lack of confidence in Dillingham entering his second season. While Conley turns 38 on October 11, and may see a decrease in minutes even if he keeps his starting job, it would add another player to the Wolves' backcourt. Chris Finch went to Terrence Shannon Jr. before Dillingham in the playoffs, and it just seems as if the team is currently higher on the former.

Dillingham won’t turn 21 years old until January 4. Still, being out of the rotation or receiving limited minutes would mean the team doesn’t have full trust in Dillingham. He should be made aware of what the team’s plans are for him. If another season of not playing much awaits him, perhaps the Timberwolves could look to deal him before his value tanks.