Rob Dillingham is getting a second chance with the Bulls, but for how long? The young guard, once favored by Timberwolves coach Chris Finch, has found himself in a new role with the Bulls, traded in a deadline deal for Ayo Dosunmu. This marks a fresh start for Dillingham, who averaged just 5.3 minutes per game in January and had only played one game with 20 minutes of action in his entire season in Minnesota. Dillingham views this as a rescue mission, praising the Bulls' playing style and the opportunity to work with new head coach Billy Donovan.
In his first three games with the Bulls, Dillingham has seen increased playing time, logging 22 minutes in his debut against Denver, another 22 in Brooklyn, and 30 minutes in Boston. This is a stark contrast to his time in Minnesota, where he struggled to find consistent playing time. Dillingham attributes this to the different playing styles of the two coaches, noting that with the Bulls, he can get off the ball and focus on individual possessions rather than the constant pressure of every possession in Minnesota.
However, Donovan is taking a measured approach, allowing Dillingham to make mistakes while also providing guidance. Donovan acknowledges Dillingham's potential as a shifty ball-handler but emphasizes the need for better decision-making. While Dillingham has the runway to make errors, it's a short one, and Donovan is keen to help him clean up his game while maintaining his aggression and attack mindset.
The Bulls' current situation, with guards Josh Giddey and Tre Jones sidelined with hamstring issues, has also provided Dillingham with playing time. However, this is a temporary solution, and Dillingham must be ready to adapt quickly when mistakes are made. As he continues to develop and gain experience, Dillingham is eager to prove himself, studying film and learning from each game, with the ultimate goal of becoming a consistent contributor to the Bulls' success.
