"They just need one more piece": Rob Dillingham opens up about joining Anthony Edwards and Timberwolves following trade from Spurs
Incoming Timberwolves rookie Rob Dillingham has expressed his enthusiasm about contributing to Minnesota’s success next season. After being drafted on Wednesday, the former Kentucky guard said his goal was to be the player that elevates the Timberwolves to greater heights.
Rob Dillingham, a 6-foot-1 guard, averaged 15.2 points with a 44.4% shooting rate from 3-point range during his single season at Kentucky.
He joins the Timberwolves after being traded by the Spurs in exchange for an unprotected 2031 first-round pick and a top 1 protected 2030 pick swap.
“[The Timberwolves] just need another scorer and another player that also playmakes and does everything, honestly,” he told Taylor Rooks.
“They just need one more piece, and I feel like they were honestly good this year, and they could have won it this year. So adding me is just a plus to the team, and whatever it does, it does.”
The Timberwolves demonstrated immense growth last season with Anthony Edwards emerging as a star. Edwards led the team to sweep the Phoenix Suns in the first round and helped eliminate the defending champion Denver Nuggets in the second round in seven games.
However, they ran out of steam in the Western Conference finals, losing to the Dallas Mavericks in five games.
“They were obviously deep in the playoffs last year, and I feel like that just shows you what they can be in the future. So I feel like I can be as much help as they need me to be, and whatever they need me to do, I feel like I can come in and do it for sure,” Dillingham said.
Rob Dillingham talks about pairing up with Anthony Edwards
Rob Dillingham, known for his scoring ability and interesting personality, is excited to pair with another dynamic scorer, Anthony Edwards. Although fans are eager to see this pairing, Dillingham himself is unsure of what to expect.
“I don't even know what to expect, honestly. You know what Anthony Edwards brings. You know what to expect from him. But I'll definitely be working too. So I don't know what to expect yet, but you'll see when the season comes. It's gonna be solid for sure,” Dillingham said.
One area Rob Dillingham aims to improve is his defense.
“I aim to make super strides [on defense] this year, just by getting bigger and actually learning how to lock up and give effort every play. So y'all will definitely see a big super stride from me on defense for sure,” he said.
He joins a Minnesota team that is in the upper echelon of the league in defensive rating and features defensive stalwarts Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels.
He will also be mentored by NBA veteran Mike Conley.