Rob Dillingham was picked 8th overall by the San Antonio Spurs, but traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves on the draft night itself.
He came into the league with a high ceiling and was touted to be an elite guard.
However, Rob Dillingham struggled for minutes on the Minnesota Timberwolves, team stacked with guards like Mike Conley, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Anthony Edwards and even Donte DiVincenzo available for selection.
In the limited time Dillingham got, he showcased his abilities including in a game against the Utah Jazz where he scored 19 points and dished out eight assists.
Heading into his first ever playoffs, the 20-year-old struggled for playing time. But veteran point guard Mike Conley has revealed he saw something from the youngster that gives him confidence for the future.
Conley on Rob Dillingham putting the work in
In the blowout Game 5 win for OKC Thunder, Dillingham scored seven points in as many minutes for the Timberwolves.
Conley lauded Dillingham for putting the work in despite not getting a chance to prove what he’s improved on.
The veteran said: “Rob was growing a lot. Obviously he didn’t get the opportunities to be on the court to show what exactly he’s been able to improve on. But you know, from my perspective.“He’s been in the weight room a lot. He’s been trying to get his body to a certain level, using this opportunity to get bigger and stronger.”
Conley has been a part of the Timberwolves team for two years now and although he has not been able to contribute massively, the one-time All-Star still is a valuable player in the locker room.
Anthony Edwards revealed how he planned on working hard to win a championship for Conley, showing the respect players have for him.
His leadership certainly has a big effect on players like Dillingham and it is likely the 20-year-old will step up next year to a bigger role.
“We talk about it at length throughout the season, just how much the season will take a toll on your body, and how you have to try to keep that in order, and how to help you become a defender, and how to help you to take bumps and and move forward with it and I think he’s really taking that to heart.
“He’s excited to get to off season, where you can really, really you know lock in and be ready to go to help this team next season,” Conley added.
Timberwolves need Rob Dillingham to elevate next season
Timberwolves have played Conley at the starting guard position all season and although the veteran has been a key piece in them becoming a side to be reckoned with in the West, it might be time they look at other options.
Having a player like Dillingham who is extremely athletic at the guard position is certainly a great option.
He did not play much all season and Dillingham also admitted he was scared when he came into the NBA.
But after a rookie season where he has been in the locker room with Ant-Man and the other stars, he will look to put more work in the offseason and be better for the next campaign.
Players like Alexander-Walker and DiVincenzo are great guards, but they have spent most of their careers coming off the bench.
Whether the Timberwolves decide to bring a new PG in or not is a question only time will answer, but even if they don’t, Dillingham could be a player that they use for some valuable minutes next season.
