The Minnesota Timberwolves are feeling good heading into the 2024-25 season. They just made the Western Conference Finals and plan to continue that momentum in the new year.
According to an NBA Insider, their future success could be addicted on the game of their 2024 lottery choice.
“The Wolves gave up a 2030 first-round trade and a 2031 first-round pick to get the No. 8 selection that became (Rob) Dillingham, and they plan to move him immediately to backup point guard “, Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report. wrote on Saturday. “This 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 pressure could determine whether Minnesota advances deeper into this year’s playoffs than last year.
Last season, Dillingham was one of the most exciting NBA prospects in the country. When he could dance while playing isolated basketball and attacking defenders on an island, he showed the ability to create instant offense for himself. As a 6-foot-1 deceptive 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 outings in 32 games and finished the season as the Wildcats’ second leading scorer. Regarding Dillingham’s decision-making, let’s just say there’s a reason John Calipari implemented a three-strike system for the rookie guard.
At times, Dillingham throws questionable shots and commits crazy turnovers, which can worry the Timberwolves. Dillingham must learn when to drop back on the offensive end if he wants to help Minnesota finish another deep playoff run. Luckily, he’ll have a great mentor, Mike Conley, to help point him in the right direction.
If Dillingham learns from the 36-year-old veteran and plays a steady style of basketball, he could be a valuable asset for the Timberwolves in the 2024-25 season and beyond.
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