He will remain as one of the last “star” freshmen of the John Calipari era at Kentucky. Robert, says “Rob” Dillingham, is one of the only players to have survived John Calipari's final exercise at the helm of the Wildcats, which ended in disappointment with an elimination in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Rob Dillingham, like his teammates, did not shine against Oakland. But his flamboyant style of play and his hot streaks were enough to confirm his ability to take on a match. Enough to subscribe to the heights of the “Mock Draft” all season long.
In a promotion where more secure leader/back profiles are numerous at the top of the projections (Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Devin Carter), Rob Dillingham is a dynamite on the back lines. A pocket player but supercharged, he is capable of blowing up any defense as his range is wide. It remains to be seen whether this will be enough to exist in the NBA, while his physique is subject to legitimate concerns.
His qualities should at least guarantee him a floor as a joker coming off the bench in short sequences. Rob Dillingham also has in him something to hope for much better, and the potential to one day be an All-Star, something that few candidates in this Draft promise.
Profile
Job : leader
Size : 1m85
Weight : 74 kg
Team : Kentucky Wildcats (NCAA)
Stats 2023/24: 15.2 points (at 47.5%), 2.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists in 23.3 minutes
Strong points
– The scorer profile. Rob Dillingham is perhaps the most offensively gifted guard of this vintage: 23.5 points on average if we reduce his playing time to 36 minutes. He masters the game very well around the interior screen (50.6% shooting on pick-and-roll), which should be one of his first strengths in the NBA. Floaters, touch… Its finish is of quality despite its limited size. Above all, his excellent outside shot and his variety (in movement, after step-back, contested) make him dangerous at all times and in any position on half court, with or without the ball.
– Creative potential. If he is not the most inventive passer in his class, Rob Dillingham has progressed throughout the NCAA season in the distribution. His passes have gained in simplicity, but also in efficiency in a Kentucky team whose collective is far from being the best equipped to highlight its leaders. Above all, he appears to be rather altruistic for a player primarily focused on scoring. Its agility and his dribbling technique can also open up space for him and his teammates.
Weak points
– The look. If he ever asked questions at the university, the official measurements of the Draft Combine allowed us to better assess the size gap between Rob Dillingham and almost all of the other guards in this vintage. Undersized in size, quite light, even frail, the Wildcat must quickly strengthen his frame if he wants to withstand the shock, especially on contacts near the circle at the upper level. He must also improve his ability to cause fouls in these situations to mitigate these limitations.
– Defense. As mentioned above, his physique almost mechanically prevents him from being an asset on this side of the floor. However, this does not explain his poor reading on screens, and sometimes his defensive disinterest, especially once after being dropped by an attacker. His absences have already cost Kentucky dearly this season and could be detrimental in the NBA.
Comparison
His ceiling will depend on his ability to adapt to the NBA. There is Darius Garland at Rob Dillingham, but also from Tyrese Maxey by its ability to shoot efficiently on the move, or even Trae Young for… his offensive talent mixed with his defensive limitations.
Prognosis
Between 6th and 14th place. The gap is wide, partly due to the possibility of seeing the Hornets in 6th position choose a “guard”. Rob Dillingham could also interest the Spurs in 8, the Jazz in 10, the Bulls in 11, or even the Kings in 13.
