Timberwolves participant who will shock NBA with breakout 2024-25 season

It is certain to be an fascinating season for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Simply when everybody thought that they’d run it again with the identical core group, the workforce shocked the basketball group by buying and selling away Karl-Anthony Cities. In return, Minnesota garnered the companies of Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, who’re each set to play main roles as a part of Anthony Edwards’ supporting solid.

The principle storyline getting into the season revolves round how Randle and DiVincenzo will fare of their new workforce. All eyes will likely be on them, and that provides different gamers loads of house to develop in silence. In reality, with a lot media consideration on the newcomers, in addition to Anthony Edwards in fact, one different Timberwolves participant may simply emerge from the shadows and stun the league with a breakout season.

Nope, it is not one of the names from final season’s roster. Then who’s it? Curiously, it is a rookie who goes by the title Rob Dillingham.

The Timberwolves have a gem in Rob Dillingham

Initially chosen by the San Antonio Spurs on draft night time (eighth total), Rob Dillingham instantly discovered himself suiting up for the Timberwolves because the Spurs agreed to ship him for a first-rounder and a choose swap. Possibly the Spurs dealt him away as a result of that they had already picked Stephon Citadel earlier within the draft. Possibly it was as a result of the Spurs wished extra belongings for a blockbuster deal sooner or later. Regardless of the purpose, Dillingham is at present enjoying like he has one thing to show.

Through the current Summer season League, the previous Kentucky star averaged 13.6 factors, 7.6 assists, and 4.2 rebounds in 5 video games. He put up 25 factors in Minnesota’s fifth and closing outing, main the workforce to a 115-100 win over the Orlando Magic. It was arguably Dillingham’s finest Summer season League recreation, as he shot 11-of-18 (61.1%) from the ground whereas meting out 12 assists as effectively.

If that wasn’t sufficient to excite the fandom, then the Timberwolves’ first preseason recreation simply added extra taste to the hype. Led principally by newcomers and gamers on the fringes of the depth chart, Minnesota bested the Los Angeles Lakers this previous Friday, 124-107. The sport confirmed a glimpse of what their growing children may do, and Rob Dillingham didn’t disappoint.

The 6-foot-1 guard completed with 21 factors, going 3-of-6 (50%) from downtown in 25 minutes of motion. In addition to his three-point effectivity, Dillingham showcased playmaking skills as effectively. Using choose and rolls with Luka Garza and Jesse Edwards, Dillingham created alternatives for himself, leading to made floaters and pull-up jumpers. He additionally ended the night time with 4 assists, second-most amongst Timberwolves gamers in the course of the recreation. Take a look at his highlights beneath, per the NBA’s official X account.

To anybody who has adopted the guard since his Kentucky days, Dillingham’s performances are not any shock. In only one 12 months of NCAA play, the 19-year-old turned a foremost level of assault for the Wildcats alongside fellow standouts Antonio Reeves and Reed Sheppard. From the get-go, it was clear that Dillingham had the expertise to make it to the professionals.

In the mean time, Dillingham appears to be like to have cemented his spot as Mike Conley’s backup for the 2024 season. Conley is not getting any youthful, and Minnesota has clearly discovered a doable successor within the close to future. For sure, extra development is required earlier than the rookie totally takes over on the one. However when it comes to potential, issues look very vibrant proper now.

With how Rob Dillingham is enjoying, a promising rookie marketing campaign awaits, giving Timberwolves followers extra to stay up for.