Rob Dillingham, the electrifying freshman guard from Kentucky, has firmly established himself as one of the most intriguing prospects in the upcoming NBA draft. Known for his confidence, creativity, and exceptional offensive skill set, Dillingham has entered the conversation as a potential top-five pick. His impressive season at Kentucky showcased his NBA-level shooting, scoring, and passing abilities, making him a highly coveted asset for teams looking to bolster their backcourt.
Dillingham’s on-ball creation is his standout skill, and he has demonstrated this at a remarkably high level. Often compared to LaMelo Ball, Dillingham is considered the best ballhandler entering the NBA since 2020. His nickname, “Robwitdashifts,” aptly describes his ability to shake defenders with a dynamic and deceptive handle. His stop-and-start movements, coupled with his knack for inventing counters on the fly, make him a nightmare for defenders. Whether employing spins, behind-the-back moves, or any other creative maneuver, Dillingham consistently finds ways to navigate through defenses and get to his desired spots on the court.
Dillingham’s elite dribbling skills are the foundation of his scoring prowess. His touch around the basket is unparalleled, allowing him to convert layups and floaters from challenging angles. This past season, he shot an impressive 52.8% on runners, placing him in the 88th percentile among all college basketball players. His ability to control his body in midair and finish plays with finesse is a testament to his offensive skill set.
rob dillingham stop-start is a thing of beauty pic.twitter.com/Ft6NTHbFPS
— ben pfeifer (@bjpf_) January 24, 2024
Beyond his finishing ability, Dillingham is also an exceptional shooter from long range. He boasts impressive statistics, shooting 44.4% from beyond the arc on 10.5 attempts per 100 possessions and 79.6% from the free-throw line. His mid-range game is equally strong, hitting 43.3% of his non-rim two-pointers. Dillingham’s shooting versatility is a critical trait for projecting his success at the next level. He can pull up off the dribble from NBA range, self-create jump shots, and sprint off screens to create opportunities. This ability to shoot in various situations makes him a valuable asset for any team.
While Dillingham excels in many areas, he does face some challenges. His raw first step and lack of strength can make it difficult for him to drive downhill against stronger defenders. However, his off-ball game is where he truly shines. Unlike many top guards, Dillingham has an exceptional feel for spacing, movement, and timing. His ability to play off the ball, coupled with his shooting and cutting skills, makes him an ideal fit alongside other ball-dominant stars. This versatility enhances his value as a prospect.
Dillingham’s creativity extends to his playmaking abilities. He has a knack for making audacious passes, flipping the court with long skip passes, and setting up teammates with laydowns in pick-and-roll situations. His passing numbers are impressive, with a 2.0 assist-to-turnover ratio and a 30.1% assist rate. His poise and patience in waiting for windows to open, especially under pressure, demonstrate his maturity and high basketball IQ.
However, Dillingham’s defense remains a significant area of concern. His slight frame—measuring 6’1″ without shoes and weighing 164 pounds—makes him vulnerable to stronger opponents. His lack of size and strength often results in defensive struggles, including difficulties defending ball screens and preventing blowbys. Despite these challenges, Dillingham has shown flashes of defensive potential, particularly in his ability to read passing lanes and disrupt driving paths.
Dillingham’s slight frame suggests room for physical growth, which an NBA strength and conditioning program could address. His quick feet and agility indicate that, with proper development, he could become a serviceable defender. Although he may never be an elite defender, his offensive prowess could allow teams to surround him with defensive specialists to mitigate his defensive weaknesses.
In conclusion, Rob Dillingham’s elite ballhandling and scoring abilities make him one of the most exciting prospects in the upcoming NBA draft. His potential to develop into an offensive star who can make All-Star appearances is high. Even if he doesn’t reach his ceiling, Dillingham’s scoring talent should enable him to impact winning as a sixth-man, microwave scorer. Teams with established offensive stars should prioritize Dillingham for his unique on-and-off-ball capabilities.
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