Rob Dillingham’s future with the Minnesota Timberwolves is becoming a hot topic as the season progresses. The second-year guard has faced challenges in securing consistent playing time, particularly after losing minutes to Bones Hyland, who had an impressive outing with 14 points recently. This has led to speculation about Dillingham’s tenure with the team coming to an end.
Despite the harsh assessment, many observers, including myself, still hold hope for Dillingham’s career. It would be premature to give up on a player in his second season, especially one who is still underage. The reality is that developing a small guard on a team vying for a championship is a difficult task, even if the squad has a need for point guard play.
Dillingham’s current performance reflects a lack of confidence, as demonstrated by his averages of 10.1 minutes, 3.7 points, 2 assists, and 1 rebound per game on shooting splits of 34.8% from the field, 28.6% from three, and 69.2% from the free-throw line. It’s clear that he is struggling, and there’s a sense that the coaching staff is not yet ready to place their trust in him.
Winning has become the priority for Minnesota, and it’s evident that Anthony Edwards has been advocating for Hyland to receive more playing time. This situation further complicates Dillingham’s prospects on the team.
Although it can be argued that head coach Chris Finch could have exhibited more patience, it is undeniable that Hyland is currently better positioned to contribute to a team focused on winning. As the trade deadline approaches, it wouldn’t be surprising if Dillingham is on the move. The Timberwolves’ decision to draft him at No. 8 overall in 2024, giving up an unprotected first-round pick and a pick swap, makes the prospect of trading him particularly poignant for the organization.
If the Timberwolves do decide to pursue a point guard, either for a permanent solution to their current issues or as a complementary piece, Dillingham could easily become part of those discussions. Teams undergoing a rebuild might see Dillingham as a valuable asset given his potential as a speedy scorer with impressive handles and decent playmaking abilities.
In conclusion, many believe that Dillingham has the tools to develop into a solid NBA player, but he may need to find a new team that can commit to his growth. Unfortunately, the Minnesota Timberwolves do not appear to be in a position to provide that commitment at this time. Nevertheless, there remains optimism about Dillingham’s future, whether it involves thriving with the Timberwolves or finding success elsewhere.