Timberwolves' Rookie Rob Dillingham Gets DNP on Opening Day
Rob Dillingham, the highly touted rookie point guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves, did not see any action in the team's season-opening loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night.
Background and Context
Dillingham was the No. 11 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft. He is a 6-foot-2, 185-pound guard who played college basketball at North Carolina.
Dillingham was expected to be a major contributor for the Timberwolves this season. He is a skilled ball-handler and passer, and he has a reputation for being a tough defender.
Key Facts and Latest Updates
However, Dillingham did not play a single minute in the Timberwolves' season opener. The team's starting lineup included D'Angelo Russell, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Kyle Anderson, and Rudy Gobert.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said after the game that Dillingham's DNP was a "coaches decision." Finch added that Dillingham needs to "continue to work hard and improve his game."
Analysis or Impact
Dillingham's DNP is a setback for the Timberwolves, who are hoping to make a playoff run this season. The team is already thin at the point guard position, and Dillingham's absence will make it even harder for them to compete.
"It's definitely a disappointment not to play in the opener," Dillingham said after the game. "But I understand that the coaches are trying to put the best team on the floor, and I'm going to keep working hard to earn my minutes."
Conclusion
Dillingham's DNP is a reminder that rookie players often have to overcome adversity in order to succeed in the NBA. Dillingham is a talented player, and he has the potential to be a major contributor for the Timberwolves. However, he will need to earn his minutes, and he will need to be patient in order to do so.