Rob Dillingham, who was part of the trade that brought Ayo Dosunmu to the Chicago Bulls, is finally experiencing meaningful playing time after struggling for minutes during his stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Selected eighth overall in the 2024 NBA draft following a trade-up, Dillingham never found a clear path to contribute in Minnesota, but his new opportunity with the Bulls marks a turning point in his early career.
After the Timberwolves were eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA playoffs, the team sought to fix their point guard issue by acquiring Dillingham. However, subsequent moves, including trades for guards Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle just before training camp, relegated Dillingham further down the depth chart, limiting his chances to prove himself.
Limited Prospects for Playing Time in Minnesota
Dillingham was immediately behind Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo in the Wolves’ guard rotation, with coach Chris Finch continuing to favor a struggling Mike Conley, placing him ahead as well. Compounding his difficulties, Dillingham was also outperformed by Bones Hyland, who began the season without a guaranteed contract. As the fifth guard on the roster, Dillingham’s minutes were largely restricted to garbage time.
Although he saw some playing time due to injuries, Dillingham struggled to make a lasting impact. By the end of his Minnesota tenure, he averaged just 3.5 points and 1.7 assists per game, shooting a disappointing 33.3 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from beyond the arc.
Chicago Bulls Offer a Crowded Yet More Forgiving Environment
While the Bulls entered the trade deadline with an already crowded backcourt, their recent moves made the guard rotation even more congested. Trades that sent Coby White, Kevin Huerter, and Nikola Vucevic away brought in guards Collin Sexton, Jaden Ivey, and Anfernee Simons, along with Dillingham, forcing him to stand out in a packed guard room.
Despite this, the Bulls’ lack of immediate championship pressure means Dillingham has more freedom to develop and learn from mistakes, which bodes well for his growth. In his first game with Chicago, he earned a season-high 22 minutes, scoring nine points and contributing four assists, finishing with a plus-9 despite a 16-point loss. His second outing matched that playing time with eight points, seven rebounds, and two steals, along with a plus-7 rating.
If Dillingham can secure steady minutes, even off the bench, there is belief among observers that he has the potential to establish himself as a valuable NBA player.
