Rudy Gobert Mentors Timberwolves Rookie Rob Dillingham Amid Limited Playing Time

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Rob Dillingham is navigating the challenges of limited playing time in his first NBA season, with veteran teammate Rudy Gobert offering guidance and perspective. Dillingham, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has averaged just 9.4 minutes per game across 17 appearances, a stark contrast to the expectations many fans had for the young guard.

Gobert, a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, has been a mentor to Dillingham, drawing on his own experience of being sent to the G League (then called the D League) during his rookie season in 2013-14. “My ego was hurt, but it felt good to go out there and just play,” Gobert recalled. “I took that frustration and that hunger to be on the floor and put it into working harder than anybody else.”

Dillingham’s limited minutes stem from a combination of factors, including the Timberwolves’ depth at guard and a right ankle sprain that sidelined him for several games. Despite the setbacks, Gobert sees Dillingham’s frustration as a positive sign. “I tell him it’s a good sign that he’s frustrated. If you don’t care, you’re not ambitious enough,” Gobert said. “The only thing I tell him is to keep doing the work. When you’re frustrated, put that frustration into working more, working harder, learning, taking care of yourself, getting stronger.”

Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch echoed Gobert’s sentiments, emphasizing the challenges rookies face on competitive teams. “It’s hard for rookies to play meaningful minutes for teams that are trying to win at the top of the table,” Finch said. “Dillingham is going to be an extremely good player in this league for a long time to come. We’re all confident of that. He just has to keep staying ready.”

Since returning from injury, Dillingham has shown flashes of potential. In a recent game, he scored 12 points and dished out two assists in 18 minutes, including a strong fourth-quarter performance that helped the Timberwolves narrow a 20-point deficit to just five points. Finch even entrusted Dillingham with playing alongside the starters during critical moments, a testament to the rookie’s growing confidence.

Defensively, Dillingham has faced steep challenges, often matched up against elite guards like Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. “I feel like before it was like, ‘Alright, when I get a switch, I got to get off of him.’ Now it’s like, I just got to guard,” Dillingham said. “I try to take on everyone, and even if I get a foul, you got to foul them rather than let them score.”

Garland, a fellow undersized guard, has served as a role model for Dillingham. “He definitely has a lot of things I could take after,” Dillingham said. “Learning to draw fouls, getting all his players involved, also scoring the ball—so definitely can learn a bunch from him.”

While Dillingham’s minutes may remain inconsistent, the Timberwolves remain optimistic about his future. “He’s still just a 20-year-old rookie,” Finch said. “The key will be patience, maintaining the drive to improve, and turning that frustration into something positive.”

For now, Dillingham is focused on making the most of every opportunity. As Gobert put it, “If it hasn’t already, Dillingham’s time will come.”