Timberwolves Rookie Rob Dillingham Battles for Playing Time Amid High Expectations

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Rob Dillingham, the Minnesota Timberwolves‘ No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is learning the hard way that patience is a virtue in the NBA. The 20-year-old rookie, known for his electrifying college highlights, has found himself sidelined for much of his first season, averaging fewer than 10 minutes per game and playing in just 19 of the team’s first 44 contests.

Dillingham’s frustration is palpable. “I’ve always played. I never had to go through where I’m not playing, especially because of injury,” he said. “It was new to me. But I just had to sit back and realize why it was happening, then take my time off and get ready for when I do get in the game.”

Teammate Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves’ star guard, has been a sounding board for Dillingham. Edwards, who also came off the bench during his rookie season, understands the rookie’s impatience. “I was the No. 1 draft pick and I came off the bench,” Edwards said. “I’ve been trying to get him to understand this.”

Dillingham’s limited playing time is partly due to the Timberwolves’ deep roster, which reached the Western Conference Finals last season. Coach Chris Finch has prioritized veteran players to stabilize the team’s performance. “It’s hard for rookies to play meaningful minutes for teams that are trying to win at the top of the table,” Finch said. “You just have to wait, be patient. Rob is going to be an extremely good player in this league for a long time to come.”

Despite the challenges, Dillingham has shown flashes of his potential. In a recent game against the Memphis Grizzlies, he scored 15 points in 17 minutes, helping the Timberwolves outscore their opponents by 16 points during his time on the court. However, his defensive limitations, particularly against bigger guards, remain a concern.

Veteran center Rudy Gobert, who spent time in the G League during his rookie season, has been mentoring Dillingham. “I tell him it’s a good sign that he’s frustrated,” Gobert said. “If you don’t care, you’re not ambitious enough. So I love that, and the only thing I tell him is to keep doing the work.”

Dillingham’s confidence remains unshaken. “I feel like before, I was playing more nervous, I’m scared to mess up,” he said. “Now it’s just like I’m just playing basketball. If I mess up, I mess up.”

As the Timberwolves navigate a middling season, Dillingham’s role could expand. His teammates and coaches believe in his potential, but they also stress the importance of patience. “His confidence reminds me of myself,” Edwards said with a grin. “He’s going to be just fine.”