The Minnesota Timberwolves are feeling great heading into the 2024-25 season. They're coming off a Western Conference finals appearance and intend to carry that momentum into the new year.
According to an NBA Insider, though, their future success could be dependent on the play of their 2024 lottery pick.
“The Wolves gave up a 2030 first-round swap and a 2031 first-round pick to get the No. 8 selection that became (Rob) Dillingham, and they figure to slot him in at backup point guard immediately,” Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes wrote Saturday. "That role will ask a lot of the Kentucky product who averaged 15.2 points and shot 44.4 percent from deep in college. His ability to handle the pressure could determine whether Minnesota advances deeper in this year's playoffs than last."
Last season, Dillingham was one of the most exciting NBA prospects in the country. When he could dance while playing isolation basketball and attack defenders on an island, he displayed his ability to create instant offense for himself. As a deceptive 6-foot-1 guard, Dillingham’s role was to provide Kentucky with a spark off the bench, and he played that role to perfection.
He recorded eight 20+ point scoring outputs in 32 games and ended the season as the Wildcats' second-leading scorer. Regarding Dillingham’s decision-making, well, let’s just say there’s a reason why John Calipari implemented a three-strike system for the rookie guard.
At times, Dillingham launches questionable shots and commits nonsensical turnovers, which may concern the Timberwolves. Dillingham must learn when to dial it back on the offensive end if he wishes to help Minnesota complete another deep playoff run. Luckily, he'll have a tremendous mentor, Mike Conley, to help steer him in the right direction.
If Dillingham learns from the 36-year-old veteran and plays a steady brand of basketball, he could be a valuable asset for the Timberwolves during the 2024-25 season and beyond.
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