Despite not having the most attention-grabbing offseason, the Minnesota Timberwolves should be right in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race next season. Coming off back-to-back trips to the Western Conference Finals, the Wolves did well to bring back Naz Reid and Julius Randle without breaking the bank.
However, they will have to rely more on younger players to try and offset what is one of the most expensive teams in the NBA. That means 2024 8th overall pick Rob Dillingham will likely have to play a big role.
Especially with the aging Mike Conley. Unfortunately, Dillingham has yet to prove that he can make a big leap in his second season, casting doubt on his potential.
The Minnesota Timberwolves need Rob Dillingham to emerge
Dillingham hasn't had much of a chance to prove himself thus far, but the results have been mostly mixed when he has. During his first NBA Summer League, he averaged 13.6 points and 7.6 assists, though he shot just 36% from the field and averaged 3.4 turnovers per game.
He was better this past Summer League, averaging 17.3 points and 6.5 assists, though he again struggled, shooting just 39.4% from the field and averaging 4.3 turnovers per game. For a player taken in the lottery and having cost the Timberwolves an unprotected first and a pick swap, his play thus far might not inspire much confidence.
The counterpoint is that it's only NBA Summer League, he's young, and he was better than expected as a passer. Then again, most first-round picks play well during their first Summer League and even better during their second stint. He wasn't all that great during either.
Dillingham has clear flaws but could help the Wolves
Dillingham wasn't overly impressive in either of his first two preseason games either. Thus far, he's shot just 4-17 from the field and looked especially rough against the Indiana Pacers.
Given his lack of height, he may continue to struggle to finish at the rim, though he has the ability to get into the paint. That has helped him as a playmaker, with him being able to collapse defenses, but his lack of finishing and his surprising struggles as a 3-point shooter are hurting him.
He won't necessarily have to excel at everything next season to help them. But if he can cut down on his turnovers, he actually could help the Wolves' offense. And if he regains his shooting touch from outside, he could be a respectable enough scorer to warrant minutes at point guard.
All told, the Wolves need Dillingham to emerge as a key player for them next season. Based on his performances since being drafted, the odds seem stacked against him, but if he can play a role on the Wolves, then they would be much better for it.