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SALT LAKE CITY – Rob Dillingham, a guard from Kentucky, is anticipated to be chosen early in the 2024 NBA Draft, potentially landing with the Utah Jazz who hold a top-ten pick.
With three picks in the top 32, the Jazz have the opportunity to strengthen their youthful roster further.
Here’s an assessment of how Dillingham could integrate into the Jazz if he joins them:
Strengths: Dillingham showcased exceptional aggressiveness during his freshman year at Kentucky, displaying a knack for scoring, particularly from beyond the arc where he maintained a remarkable 44 percent success rate on 4.5 attempts per game. Despite coming off the bench, he swiftly found his scoring rhythm within the team’s offense. Additionally, his quick release and dribbling skills allowed him to create scoring opportunities effectively. Dillingham also demonstrated the ability to penetrate defenses and convert two-point shots at a respectable rate. His passing game, while not his primary strength, showed promise, with a solid assist-to-turnover ratio and potential for growth, especially in collaboration with skilled big men at the NBA level.
Weaknesses: Despite his scoring prowess, Dillingham’s stature poses a significant risk, particularly considering his likely shorter height than listed and his slender build. This physical disadvantage makes him susceptible to defensive targeting and struggles in navigating screens and defending against larger opponents. Offensively, his size hampers his ability to generate easy shots near the basket, leading to attempts that may not translate as successfully in the NBA. While his passing numbers are decent, they often relied on finding open shooters rather than creating opportunities. Additionally, his tendency to jump into passes to overcome defensive obstacles could be a liability at the professional level.
Dillingham’s elite scoring ability suggests he could carve out a role in the NBA, potentially resembling former Celtics star Isaiah Thomas. However, his size limitations and defensive concerns raise doubts about his ability to meet the high expectations associated with a lottery pick, especially given the Jazz’s existing roster dynamics and defensive needs.
While past Kentucky guards have exceeded expectations, Dillingham’s size could pose challenges in surpassing his draft projections.
