It is not over until it is over, however for the Minnesota Timberwolves, time could also be working out for guard Rob Dillingham. Dillingham was the Wolves’ huge gamble final summer time, with them buying and selling an unprotected decide swap and a top-1 protected 2031 first to the San Antonio Spurs for Dillingham’s draft rights after he was chosen eighth total within the 2024 NBA Draft.
The hope was that he would rapidly emerge as a starting-caliber level guard. As an alternative, in his second season, he has regarded as dangerous as he did as a rookie, averaging simply 4.7 factors per sport on 37/20/72 taking pictures splits.
What’s so baffling is that whereas there have been main issues about his top, or lack thereof, at simply 6’0, he was a terrific finisher in faculty and a very good shooter. Within the NBA, he is been an terrible finisher and a horrible 3-point shooter.
Rob Dillingham’s struggles are hurting the Minnesota Timberwolves
Having an undersized guard battle to complete within the paint towards a lot taller gamers is not unprecedented, although Dillingham is an efficient athlete and has extra craftiness than most. What is much extra regarding is that he shot 44% on 4.5 threes per sport at Kentucky however is at the moment taking pictures 20% this season.
That is not only a small pattern dimension; he additionally shot poorly final season and wasn’t precisely lights out in NBA Summer season League. With Dillingham trying an increasing number of like a draft bust, the Timberwolves are with out a paddle at level guard.
The Timberwolves have been taking part in extra with out a conventional level guard this season, with Anthony Edwards or Julius Randle serving because the defacto level guard at occasions. That may be a affordable different to taking part in Mike Conley or Dillingham extra, however they actually ought to have a starting-caliber level guard to make the lives of their stars a lot simpler.
The Wolves should goal a star level guard on the commerce deadline
If Dillingham does not lower it, then Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Younger or Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant can be intriguing commerce targets that may give them a large improve at their weakest place.
The Wolves must doubtlessly sacrifice Randle in both deal. Then once more, they may merely promote former Sixth Man of the Yr Naz Reid to the beginning lineup following a possible blockbuster deal. A possible commerce may see them ship out Randle and Donte Divincenzo for Younger and even Morant.
Buying both can be an admission that their Dillingham gamble did not repay, which ought to be apparent by now. To his credit score, Dillingham continues to be solely 21 years outdated and has time to determine issues out, however for a contender such because the Timberwolves, they seemingly cannot afford to attend and hope that he’ll.
