Regardless of not having essentially the most attention-grabbing offseason, the Minnesota Timberwolves ought to be proper within the thick of the Western Convention playoff race subsequent season. Coming off back-to-back journeys to the Western Convention Finals, the Wolves did nicely to carry again Naz Reid and Julius Randle with out breaking the financial institution.
Nevertheless, they must rely extra on youthful gamers to try to offset what is without doubt one of the most costly groups within the NBA. Which means 2024 eighth total decide Rob Dillingham will doubtless need to play an enormous position.
Particularly with the ageing Mike Conley. Sadly, Dillingham has but to show that he could make an enormous leap in his second season, casting doubt on his potential.
The Minnesota Timberwolves want Rob Dillingham to emerge
Dillingham hasn’t had a lot of an opportunity to show himself to date, however the outcomes have been principally blended when he has. Throughout his first NBA Summer season League, he averaged 13.6 factors and seven.6 assists, although he shot simply 36% from the sector and averaged 3.4 turnovers per recreation.
He was higher this previous Summer season League, averaging 17.3 factors and 6.5 assists, although he once more struggled, capturing simply 39.4% from the sector and averaging 4.3 turnovers per recreation. For a participant taken within the lottery and having value the Timberwolves an unprotected first and a decide swap, his play to date won’t encourage a lot confidence.
The counterpoint is that it is solely NBA Summer season League, he is younger, and he was higher than anticipated as a passer. Then once more, most first-round picks play nicely throughout their first Summer season League and even higher throughout their second stint. He wasn’t all that nice throughout both.
Dillingham has clear flaws however might assist the Wolves
Dillingham wasn’t overly spectacular in both of his first two preseason video games both. Up to now, he is shot simply 4-17 from the sector and appeared particularly tough in opposition to the Indiana Pacers.
Given his lack of peak, he might proceed to battle to complete on the rim, although he has the flexibility to get into the paint. That has helped him as a playmaker, with him with the ability to collapse defenses, however his lack of ending and his stunning struggles as a 3-point shooter are hurting him.
He will not essentially need to excel at all the pieces subsequent season to assist them. But when he can minimize down on his turnovers, he truly might assist the Wolves’ offense. And if he regains his capturing contact from exterior, he could possibly be a good sufficient scorer to warrant minutes at level guard.
All informed, the Wolves want Dillingham to emerge as a key participant for them subsequent season. Based mostly on his performances since being drafted, the chances appear stacked in opposition to him, but when he can play a job on the Wolves, then they’d be significantly better for it.
