CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hickory, North Carolina, native Rob Dillingham was selected in the top 10 of the 2024 NBA Draft Wednesday, being picked No. 8 overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Wolves were committed to keeping their core together after a run to the Western Conference Finals, but with little cap room for free agents, it wasn't clear how they'd make it happen. All it took was sending two future first-round picks to the San Antonio Spurs and they landed the 19-year-old Dillingham as an eventual replacement for veteran Mike Conley.
The trade was a bit confusing for fans. Connelly was announced as being picked by the Spurs, which is what happened, but Minnesota's trade basically meant the Spurs were picking for the Timberwolves. It happened this way because the NBA doesn't announce trades on draft night. As a result, Dillingham and his entire family were celebrating in Spurs gear and he was even interviewed about playing in San Antonio despite knowing he was going to Minnesota.
The awkward moment was panned on social media by fans and reporters alike, who questioned why the NBA wouldn't clarify what was happening to those watching TV. As for the Wolves, team executives are thrilled they were able to trade up for Dillingham because they need quality depth players who can contribute immediately.
“We think we have a chance. We’re at the big table, so it’s not time to get scared now,” president of basketball operations Tim Connelly said. “I don’t how we can add this level of talent via trades unless we want to give up core guys.”
One of Connelly's first moves after arriving in Minnesota was acquiring Rudy Gobert, which depleted the team's future draft picks. Throw in expensive contracts for Gobert, Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, and suddenly Minnesota found itself in need of affordable, young players.
Dillingham averaged 15.2 points per game for Kentucky in his only college season. He shot 44% from 3-point range.
“He’s a guy who, from day one, is going to have a role and a responsibility. Certainly it’s going to be hard for him, but I don’t think you’re that aggressive in the top 10 with a guy you don’t think can play right away,” Connelly said.
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