The Minnesota Timberwolves were dismissed from the Western Conference Finals with relative ease by the Oklahoma City Thunder this week as they lost their series four games to one.
The Timberwolves' loss has fans and media speculating on what coach Chris Finch, his staff and players can do differently going forward.
On Thursday, Finch addressed the media about a forgotten man who the Timberwolves invested the eight pick of the 2024 draft in, former Kentucky Wildcats guard Rob Dillingham.
Finch shared his specific recommendations for the former first round pick in terms of what he can do to improve moving forward.
Rob Dillingham goes for the block.
Rob Dillingham (left) attempts to block Lugentz Dort's shot vs. OKC.
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
'"I think the first thing Rob has to realize is that there is a great opportunity for him," Finch said.
"That should be an incredible motivating factor. I think Rob has a good feel now for what the NBA is like, what we need him to do.
"I love his defensive growth this year more than anything. I think offensively he's got to figure out how to simplify his game...I think he kind of has to round out his shot, it's got some inconsistencies right now," Finch added.
Dillingham averaged just over four points per game this season on 44.1 percent shooting. He averaged two assists per game and .4 steals per game, two other areas he can improve upon based on his time with the Wildcats in Lexington, Kentucky during his college days.
With the Timberwolves stuck watching the NBA Finals from the sidelines yet again, the growth of young players like Dillingham and guard Terrence Shannon could determine whether they find themselves in the same position or not next season.