The Minnesota Timberwolves have so far opted not to play Rob Dillingham in his first two NBA games, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Given his scoring and playmaking prowess, which earned him the No. 8 overall pick, many wonder why Dillingham isn’t already part of the rotation. As the Timberwolves embark on a season where outside shooting and playmaking will be critical, it may be time to reconsider benching one of their most promising young talents.
NBA Business: Time For Timberwolves To Play Rob Dillingham
Dillingham’s Scoring Potential: A Missed Opportunity
The Timberwolves dropped their season opener to the Lakers, a game where offensive firepower was clearly lacking. With just 42 points in the first half and a 41% shooting rate, Minnesota’s offense struggled. Dillingham’s absence was notable, especially since he’s known for his scoring potential. During his one year at Kentucky, Dillingham averaged 26.1 points per 40 minutes, shooting an impressive 47.5% from the field and 44.4% from three-point range. As Minnesota shoots more threes than ever, it’s puzzling that Dillingham, who hit 44.4% on 4.5 attempts per game from deep in college, hasn’t seen the floor.
In preseason, Dillingham demonstrated that he could add the kind of scoring spark the Timberwolves needed against the Lakers. His ability to create his own shot and score in high-pressure situations adds dimensions to an offense that, so far, appears reliant on existing stars. If Dillingham plays, the Timberwolves could leverage his shooting to relieve some pressure on their established starters, balancing their scoring.
Playmaking Skills that Could Benefit the Timberwolves
Beyond his scoring, Dillingham’s playmaking is another area where he could have a positive impact. Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch noted the need for more dynamic playmakers in his rotation, and Dillingham has proven himself capable in this role. In Summer League, Dillingham’s 7.6 assists per game were fifth-best, a significant accomplishment for any rookie. During the preseason, he continued to showcase his skills, averaging five assists with an outstanding assist-to-turnover ratio of five. This ability to make plays without turning the ball over could provide the Timberwolves with a steady hand when needed, and it would allow Minnesota to utilize a versatile guard with a wide skill set.
Mike Conley’s Struggles Signal a Need for Fresh Legs
Veteran guard Mike Conley has had a challenging start to the season, further emphasizing the case for Dillingham to play. In the Lakers game, Conley managed only five points on 1-for-7 shooting, missing all five of his three-point attempts. Conley’s performance led Finch to sit him in the fourth quarter, favoring Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who had a more impactful game. If Conley continues to struggle, his limitations could signal an opportunity for Dillingham to step up and take some of the veteran’s minutes.
Conley is crucial to Minnesota’s leadership and strategy, but Dillingham’s youthful energy and scoring ability could complement Conley’s role. Giving Dillingham a chance would also take some pressure off Conley, allowing him to conserve energy for crucial late-game situations.
A Fresh Rotation Could Benefit the Timberwolves’ Season Goals
As the Timberwolves face strong Western Conference contenders, they’ll need every tool available to remain competitive. With recent shooting struggles, it may be time for the Timberwolves to revise their approach and let Dillingham play. Allowing Dillingham more game time would not only boost Minnesota’s scoring options but also deepen their bench, making them more adaptable to different game scenarios.
As Minnesota looks ahead to the long season, building confidence in their rookie now could pay dividends. Dillingham has shown he can produce under pressure, and easing him into the rotation with a few minutes per game could accelerate his development. They need an infusion of fresh playmaking and scoring skills, and Dillingham appears to be the ideal candidate to fill that role.
Playing Rob Dillingham Makes Fiscal Sense For The Timberwolves.
Rob Dillingham signed a four-year deal with the Timberwolves worth approximately $28.49 million, including a cap hit of $6.26 million for the 2024-25 season. That’s less than 5% of their total salary cap. The Timberwolves traded up to draft him, reflecting their intent to maximize value under cap constraints due to the league’s second apron, which restricts their flexibility for roster improvements. For Minnesota, Dillingham’s rookie contract is especially valuable as they’re balancing a limited budget with high roster expectations.
To make the most of his talent, the Timberwolves would benefit from giving Dillingham meaningful minutes rather than letting him languish with “DNP-CDs”. Playing him helps avoid inflating the uncertainty around his potential and keeps his confidence and development progressing. This approach not only optimizes his value as a future contributor but also supports his physical and mental development, which could be compromised with prolonged bench time.
The Timberwolves Need to Play Rob Dillingham
The Timberwolves’ decision to trade for the No. 8 draft pick demonstrates their belief in Dillingham’s potential. He’s already shown flashes of the scoring and playmaking that made him a top pick, and with Minnesota aiming for a successful season, his talents could give the Timberwolves an edge. Dillingham’s skill set fits with what the Timberwolves need most, and as the season progresses, integrating him now could yield long-term rewards.
The Timberwolves may have aimed to ease Dillingham into NBA play, but his preseason performance and Conley’s early struggles suggest that the rookie is ready to contribute. By allowing Rob Dillingham to play, the Timberwolves have little to lose and much to gain—both in terms of scoring support and player development. As the Timberwolves prepare for future matchups, they might find that a lineup including Dillingham gives them the versatility and depth needed to thrive.
