Rob Dillingham Is Ready To Go

The San Antonio Spurs selected Rob Dillingham, a guard from the University of Kentucky, with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Shortly after, we learned that the Minnesota Timberwolves had traded with San Antonio for Dillingham’s draft rights. In what was expected to be a quiet night for the Wolves, they ended up with one of the most exciting players in this draft class.

Dillingham, 19, is a quick and shifty three-level scorer who displayed his talent throughout his lone season at Kentucky. Pundits have criticized him for his lack of size and defensive upside. However, Wolves fans should be excited about this trade. The Timberwolves have needed to find Mike Conley’s heir apparent because he will turn 37 in October.

The Wolves needed Conley’s impact to compete in the Western Conference. Although he signed a two-year, $21 million contract extension in February, the Wolves didn’t have a long-term answer at point guard until drafting Dillingham on Wednesday night.

Dillingham will be able to learn a lot from Conley, and there aren’t many other people out there you’d want your young guard to learn from if you’re Chris Finch. Before the draft, Finch spoke with Ch. 5’s Darren Wolfson about the Wolves’ need for a ‘couple (of) plug-and-play rookies.’

“It’s tough where we are for rookies to play,” Finch said. “But as you forecast forward, we’re going to need young, talented players to start playing in the rotation more,”

Tim Connelly expanded on this notion after Round 1 of the draft.

“He’s a guy from Day 1 that’s going to have a role,” Connelly said. “I don’t think you’re that aggressive in the top 10 with a guy you don’t think can play right away.”

That might be music to Conley’s ears, who was dealing with injuries during Minnesota’s playoff run. The Wolves will have to rely on him less as he gets older. Drafting a young guard like Dillingham, who can play immediately, will allow Conley to play at his best without burning out. Remember that the Timberwolves didn’t consistently feature a second point guard on their roster for most of the season. Therefore, addressing that was a priority for the Wolves this offseason.

By drafting Dillingham, Minnesota also addressed its lack of shot creation, which was apparent in their Western Conference Finals loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving put on a clinic with their shot-making ability, and the Wolves couldn’t match their scoring. Dillingham might be the best shot creator in the 2024 draft class. Once he develops into more of a playmaker under Conley’s tutelage, there is no limit to what he can become offensively.

Dillingham is aware of his defensive flaws. After being selected, Dillingham was asked what strides he’s looking to make defensively.

“Super strides, just by getting bigger and actually learning how to lock up and give effort on every play,” Dillingham said in an interview with Taylor Rooks.

Dillingham must prioritize improving his defense to see the floor because he joins the NBA’s No. 1 defense from last season. However, he’ll have guys in the locker room to help him with that process. When asked about ‘protecting’ Dillingham on defense considering his limitations, Connelly said they’re just looking to challenge him.

“We’re not here to hold his hand. There’s been plenty of examples of guys that are slight that have been more defenders,” Connelly said. “Competitiveness is one of its hallmarks. We’re going to challenge him, not protect him.”

Why make this move if you’re Connelly? Spurs are likely to become less competitive in their betting on Wolves by 2030 because Anthony Edwards’ contract ends after the 2028-29 season. San Antonio also had the fourth overall selection, so it was a good opportunity for them to stack up draft assets.

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves want to keep a good team around Anthony Edwards to keep him in Minnesota beyond his current contract. The Dillingham trade shows Minnesota’s faith in him to be a significant part of that, alongside Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels. There’s a chance those picks in 2030 and 2031 aren’t of high value, assuming the Wolves remain competitive in those years.

In his post-draft press conference, Dillingham showed his appreciation for Minnesota’s faith in him to trade those future draft picks.

“It just shows that they trust me and they obviously are trusting in me to develop,” Dillingham said. “I feel like that’s all I needed from any team.”

With this trade, the Wolves appear to have secured their point guard of the future. Dillingham will not be rushed into anything as he joins a team ready to contend for a championship. Summer League next month is the first opportunity to see Dillingham perform in the NBA.