In theory, the Minnesota Timberwolves had their point guard situation perfectly planned for years to come. When Mike Conley was no longer a starter-caliber player, he would hand the baton off to 2024 No. 8 overall pick Rob Dillingham, who would be a perfect backcourt mate to Anthony Edwards.
Well, the time has come for Conley to be a second-unit guy... but Rob Dillingham is nowhere to be seen. Instead, Conley's old position is now occupied by Donte DiVincenzo, who is not a point guard. And Rob Dillingham is riding the bench.
At least, that was the case in the season opener. The point guard fiasco in Minnesota hurts for a few reasons; firstly, Mike Conley is no longer productive enough to start for the Wolves. Secondly, Rob Dillingham is apparently not far along enough in his development to play for the Wolves, who have a clear need at the position he plays! It doesn't feel great, that's for sure.
It would sting a little less if DiVincenzo had a history of high-level playmaking... But he doesn't! Even in his best seasons, DiVincenzo's best trait has been his scoring. To go with him as the team's point guard is not a vote of confidence for anyone else, Dillingham included.
What is the plan with Rob Dillingham?
Terrance Shannon Jr. played 25 minutes, which isn't a huge surprise. He had some great bursts last year and a bigger role was always in the cards for him. But perhaps more notably, Bones Hyland played 8. That's not a ton of minutes — but the fact that Chris Finch went to Hyland instead of Dillingham is not small potatoes. That's a clear early-season pecking order, and Dillingham seems to be on the bottom of it.
A second-year guard not playing the first game of the season doesn't mean his career is in ruin. Dillingham will see the court this season, probably a good amount after Donte DiVincenzo has already shown that he's not a natural point guard.
But Dillingham was a top ten pick last year. It's not a good sign that his place in the Wolves lineup is precarious, especially when the need for his player archetype is so massive. He was a little erratic last season, but what rookie guard isn't? Not even giving him a chance to make a leap in year two feels harsh. And if he's been bad enough in training camp to make a benching warranted, then that's not a great sign either.