Rob Dillingham finds himself on thin ice in the Wolves rotation when a surprise player emerges

Sophomore guard Rob Dillingham has struggled to find his place in the Minnesota Timberwolves rotation. Dillingham was widely expected to play a bigger role following the loss of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and the aging of Mike Conley. However, the Kentucky product is averaging just 10.1 minutes (a reduction from last year), 3.7 points, 1.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists on 34.8/28.6/69.2 shooting splits.

During Monday night’s 108-105 loss to the Phoenix Suns, things went from bad to worse for Dillingham as he didn’t see the court. Instead, Chris Finch turned to Bones Hyland, who played 15:47 minutes, including 6:52 minutes in the fourth quarter. Hyland didn’t just play big minutes; he played well, posting 14 points (four three-pointers) and three assists.

Hyland playing key minutes in the fourth quarter underlines Finch’s confidence and willingness to ride the hot hand. However, it also shows how much the Wolves need a scoring boost off the bench. Notably, Hyland was responsible for all but nine of the Wolves’ bench points, and the team ranks 28th in bench scores.

Considering how well Hyland has played and that Dillingham has struggled, it’s reasonable to believe Hyland could take Dillingham’s spot in the rotation at least for now. In fact, I would think it likely. Let’s not forget that Hyland started the season playing over Dillingham.

Bones Hyland looks like a better version of Rob Dillingham

The Wolves are in a tough spot with Dillingham. On the one hand, you don’t want to gamble on your 2024 lottery pick that you traded two first-round picks to get. Yet Dillingham has struggled with his minutes this season. Ultimately, the Wolves’ main priority is winning, not developing their young talent.

I’ve been advocating for Finch to be more patient with Dillingham. Either way, at some point you have to show something on the field, and unfortunately Dillingham hasn’t done that yet. Dillingham looks like he has lost his confidence and is lying passively on the floor. In terms of winning, it’s hard to justify Dillingham playing real minutes, especially with Bones on the bench.

Minnesota needs a guard who can provide a scoring punch and generate edge pressure off the bench. Both Dillingham and Hyland fit this mold as a smaller microwave protector. Nevertheless, Bones is 25 and Dillingham is 20. Currently, Hyland is more willing to contribute and is a better version of Dillingham.

That’s the reality the Wolves are grappling with. Even I, as a loyal Dillingham supporter, can’t help but admit it’s true. I still believe in Dillingham’s long-term upside, but in year two he looks very raw.

In 21 games, Dillingham scored more than ten points once and zero points seven times. While Hyland hit four 3-pointers on Monday, Dillingham has hit six triples all year.

Ultimately, for now, it’s reasonable to believe that Finch will continue to return to Hyland. Of course, it’s a fluid situation and things can change quickly. Nevertheless, this major shakeup in the Wolves’ rotation seems likely.