The man he will be replacing is almost twice his age. So obviously Rob Dillinghamat 19 years old, will learn things from Mike Conley, soon to be 37 years old. Surprisingly, the first exchanges between the two players did not revolve around the offensive management of the team. Or the “scoring”, natural for the Wolves rookie who admits not to ” can't really play without scoring “.
No, the first advice from the old man to the newcomer was more defensive. He simply told me not to leave both options to the opponent. (editor’s note: start on the right or left hand) and push them to one side or the other. Because the opponents are too good now on both hands “, reports the 8th pick in the Draft.
Coming out of college, his defensive efforts were questioned. After drafting him, Wolves president Tim Connelly even said he wanted to challenge him to improve in that area.
His defense is already under scrutiny
So the slightest positive sign displayed in Summer League, like a banal return to the zone provoked against the Pelicans, which changed the dynamic of the match according to summer coach Chris Hines, is well received by the Wolves.
” You really have to try harder. It's not that hard. I have teammates who defend too. If I'm beaten, there's always someone who slips. So I feel like with this team, it's easier to defend because it's not always about staying with the opponent all the time, it's more about attracting them into the help. “, notes Rob Dillingham.
He is probably already thinking about his future association with Rudy Gobert, the league's main deterrent force in the second row. An obviously reassuring presence for the backs that the Frenchman pushes, starting with Anthony Edwards, to defend hard on dribble starts. So that all the defensive work does not fall on him.
Mike Conley, who is a good expert on the subject, will help him in this regard. To make the most of his explosiveness and his already very good handle on the other side of the field, Rob Dillingham will be able to count on a model of another kind: John Wall.
Progress in reading the game
” A legend “, for the rookie. ” That’s my guy. He knows me, texts me… At Kentucky, he came to all our games. I reached out to him after the game. (against the Pelicans). I was very angry because I didn't play very well. I contacted him and he told me to play my game. “, says the rookie who played for John Calipari, like his elder.
By joining this very ambitious team, the young basketball player will have to reshape his game based on aggression like the former Wizards All-Star. Once he starts to realize how to read the game, play the pick-and-roll, he will be unstoppable in getting everyone involved. “, Chris Hines already imagines.
In this sense, Rob Dillingham already feels that he is developing. not as a star player, but a player who can do everything for his team “.
