WATCH: Former Kentucky star Robert Dillingham has cryptic response about John Calipari’s departure from the Wildcats
New Minnesota Timberwolves guard Robert Dillingham delivered a cryptic statement in response to a reporter who asked about the departure of Arkansas coach John Calipari from the Kentucky Wildcats. Dillingham was introduced to the media on Wednesday afternoon and was asked about how the Kentucky fans treated him during his stint there.
One reporter asked him about how he handled fan reactions when they were losing in the latter part of the season.
"We handled it well because we started off winning. When you're winning, they're with you. Even we started losing, I felt they were kind of with us. We were doing all we could to compete, so I felt like where any fans there were highs and lows, but it's about winning," Dillingham, who was acquired by the Timberwolves via trade with the San Antonio Spurs, said.
"So if you're not winning, it's your fault, honestly, but it's the fans' right to be mad at you. I'll just take any day the same day going about it every day," he added.
Dillingham then stopped short of speaking about Calipari's departure from Kentucky.
"And I don't know what happened to coach Cal (John Calipari)," the former Kentucky guard said while laughing.
The 6-foot-1 guard was one of the key pieces of Kentucky's run this past season along with Reed Sheppard, Antonio Reeves, DJ Wagner and Tre Mitchell. The Wildcats, who were ranked third in the South Regional, were ousted unceremoniously by No. 14 seed Oakland in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. The loss extended Kentucky's championship drought to 12 years.
Robert Dillingham to bring backcourt help to Anthony Edwards-led Timberwolves
Robert Dillingham, who appeared in 32 games for Kentucky, played 23.3 minutes per game off the bench. He averaged 15.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game under coach John Calipari in the 2023-24 season. He shot 47.5% from the field, with 44.4% from the 3-point line.
Dillingham was the Wildcats' second-leading scorer this past season behind Antonio Reeves and will likely play off the bench for Chris Finch behind Wolves leading scorer Anthony Edwards.
He could also play backup to veteran point guard Mike Conley and lead a second-unit run-and-gun attack with the Timberwolves, who lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference finals, 4-1.
Is Robert Dillingham the missing piece in the Minnesota Timberwolves' championship puzzle? Let us know your views in the comments section.