Wolves paid a high price to get back on track Rob Dillingham. If they only gave up a first round of Draft 2031 and a “swap” for 2030, their “luxury tax” will explode with the contracts of 28.7 million over four years for the former Kentucky player and 13.1 million over four years for Terrence Shannon Jr.
The two young rookies arrive in a team that is already well established and has just reached the conference finals. “The Timberwolves are one of the best teams in the NBA. I didn't think I'd be going to a title contender right off the bat, it's just a blessing.”, explains Rob Dillingham. “I was just happy to be able to learn from so many veterans on the team and so many successful players.”
The Wolves picked up two players in the draft with an offensive contribution that they have sometimes lacked this season.
“Both players bring a dimension that we can really use. Explosive, they love to play in space, in the paint, with an offensive mindset and looking at where we maybe struggled a little bit last season, we were able to address a lot of those needs in the draft.”, Judge Chris Finch. “I’m just excited to get them on board and see their journey begin.”
Nothing will be offered to rookies
A spot in the Western Conference finalist is earned. The coach warns the players, even if there was the departure of Monte Morris to the Suns and Kyle Anderson to the Warriors: the two rookies will have to earn their spot.
“There are roles to play, roles to win. But we also know what they look like and how specific they are.”says Chris Finch. “That's where we're going to start. If you can do that, we're going to try to develop everyone's game from there.”
It must be said that Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. will be well surrounded with Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley. There will be something to learn from each of these players.
“We have the right amount of energy every day, it’s a great place to learn”concludes the coach. “It’s facilitated by incredible veterans. Not just what they can teach players on the field, to learn how to be a pro, but also how to prepare, plan your routine, eat, sleep, have the right mindset to play or not and deal with the success and failures that are going to come.”
