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    Draymond Green thinks the Wolves drafting Rob Dillingham was the best move of the NBA Draft: "They drafted the point guard of their future"

    By Yakshpat Bhargava,

    18 days ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3zTUXa_0u80KNQa00

    The 2024 NBA Draft witnessed several notable selections, including the Houston Rockets' acquisition of Kentucky's Reed Sheppard, the San Antonio Spurs' selection of UConn's Stephon Castle, and the LA Lakers' drafting of Tennessee's Dalton Knecht. However, in Draymond Green's assessment, none were as impressive as the Minnesota Timberwolves' move to acquire Kentucky's Rob Dillingham.

    Originally selected as the No. 8 pick by the San Antonio Spurs, Dillingham was traded to the Wolves in exchange for a 2031 unprotected pick and a 2030 top-one protected pick swap. Speaking on his podcast, Draymond revealed why this transaction stood out significantly in his viewpoint.

    "Who won the draft to me? Was the Minnesota Timberwolves," Draymond said. "The reason Minnesota Timberwolves won the draft is because they drafted the Point Guard of their future in Rob Dillingham who I think is a very special player. Some of the teams at the top of the draft was afraid of because he got swag and he got game and they don't know if his game is going to fit into their systems."

    Draymond draws parallels between Dillingham and Steph Curry

    Despite being an undersized point guard at 6'2" and operating off a bench role for the Kentucky Wildcats, Dillingham shot lights out in his freshman year. He averaged 15.3 points and 3.9 assists per game, both second-best on the team, while playing only 23.3 minutes per game. Moreover, his shooting percentages were equally impressive, with 44.4% from beyond the arc and 47.5% from the field.

    Draymond highlighted Rob's potential as a high-risk, high-reward situation, drawing parallels with Stephen Curry's early career trajectory. Green highlighted how both these players can dominate via playmaking and scoring by running their way through the entire offense. Just like the 3-Point King, who faced skepticism around his potential to fit into every team's culture, even Rob can prove to be a game-changing first-round pick.

    "When you can get a really good player who can score the basketball - Steph Curry and figure out how the system works for him, and all of a sudden the franchise is in a territory that they have been never before," Green added. "At times we run into guards with swag that, 'Just don't fit into the system.' So there's gonna be some teams regretting passing Rob Dillingham."

    Rob can be a huge missing piece for Minnesota Timberwolves

    Though the Timberwolves have a generational talent and franchise cornerstone in Anthony Edwards, who is firmly committed to the team, Rob could be a significant addition. His ability to contribute effectively in limited minutes off the bench - a role he is accustomed to from collegiate basketball, would be valuable.

    Moreover, during some moments in the playoffs last season, the Wolves struggled to generate plays. An undersized point guard like Rob could complement Edwards. His quick pace could create open looks for Edwards and facilitate pick-and-roll situations with the team's big men, which could prove highly beneficial, perhaps the smallest tweak that Chris Finch's team required.

    "They just need one more piece. I feel like they were honestly good this year and they could've won it this year," Rob said. "So adding me is just a plus to the team."

    That said, while the four-time NBA Champs' praise has set the bar exceedingly high for the former Wildcat, it remains to be seen if he could live up to them in the Summer League.

    Related: ESPN Draft expert hints that Kyle Filipowski's draft slide was because of his girlfriend: "He has an older girlfriend, she's like 25 or 26, and people are like, 'This is weird'"

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