In theory, the Minnesota Timberwolves had their point guard situation perfectly planned for years to come. When Mike Conley was no longer a starter-caliber player, he would hand the baton off to 2024 No. 8 overall pick Rob Dillingham, who would be a perfect backcourt mate to Anthony Edwards.
Well, the time has come for Conley to be a second-unit guy... but [Rob Dillingham is nowhere](https://dunkingwithwolves.com/timberwolves-face-a-crucial-rob-dillingham-dilemma) to be seen. Instead, Conley's old position is now occupied by Donte DiVincenzo, who is _not a point guard_. And Rob Dillingham is riding the bench.
At least, that was the case in the season opener. The point guard fiasco in Minnesota hurts for a few reasons; firstly, Mike Conley is no longer productive enough to start for the Wolves. Secondly, Rob Dillingham is apparently not far along enough in his development to _play_ for the Wolves, who have a clear need at the position he plays! It doesn't feel great, that's for sure.
It would sting a little less if DiVincenzo had a history of high-level playmaking... But he doesn't! Even in his best seasons, DiVincenzo's best trait has been his scoring. To go with him as the team's point guard is not a vote of confidence for anyone else, Dillingham included.
What is the plan with Rob Dillingham?
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Terrance Shannon Jr. played 25 minutes, which isn't a huge surprise. He had some great bursts last year and a bigger role was always in the cards for him. But perhaps more notably, Bones Hyland played 8. That's not a ton of minutes — but the fact that Chris Finch went to Hyland instead of Dillingham is not small potatoes. That's a clear early-season pecking order, and [Dillingham seems to](https://dunkingwithwolves.com/minnesota-timberwolves-sign-bones-hyland-rob-dillingham-disaster-huge-mistake-development-mike-conley) be on the bottom of it.
A second-year guard not playing the first game of the season doesn't mean his career is in ruin. Dillingham will see the court this season, probably a good amount after Donte DiVincenzo has already shown that he's not a natural point guard.
But Dillingham was a top ten pick last year. It's not a good sign that his place in the Wolves lineup is precarious, especially when the need for his player archetype is so massive. He was a little erratic last season, but what rookie guard isn't? Not even giving him a chance to make a leap in year two feels harsh. And if he's been bad enough in training camp to make a benching warranted, then that's not a great sign either.