In Chicago, Rob Dillingham must learn to “clean up” his game

Barely arriving in Chicago, he set several season records. The records had to be put into perspective, of course, because it was a “blow-out”. But in Boston a week ago, Rob Dillingham scored 16 points (6/12 shooting), 7 assists and 3 steals in 30 minutes. So, his best production of the year.

And a small step toward rebirth for the 2024 No. 8 pick who couldn’t find a place in Chris Finch’s rotation with the Wolves before being traded for Ayo Dosunma.

« It’s just two different attacking styles, we hold the ball less. We have to get the ball down quicker », already comparing the 21-year-oldabout the difference in method between his former coach and Billy Donovan.

« By that I mean that every possession counts here as well, but there is room for error. Not everyone could make a mistake there and continue playing. So it’s just a matter of opportunity and pace of play, just different styles “, continues Rob Dillingham.

He’s been on the roster in the Bulls’ last three games, averaging 25 minutes — averaging 11 points — compared to … 5 minutes in seven appearances in January at Minnesota.

He arrives in Chicago in a different context, with a team losing momentum (6-game losing streak) losing ground in the playoffs. Where the Wolves still hope to climb into the Top 4 in the West. In other words: mistakes are allowed, but her room for maneuver is not unlimited either.

“The recordings he makes are not sustainable in the long term”

« He’s a guy who can really outrun a defender with his dribbling and drive into the heart of the defense. This is a very positive point. But his decision making and the attempts he makes are not sustainable in the long term, and I told him yes », warns his coach, who has a lot of recourse to his recruit due to the absences of Josh Giddy and Tre Jones due to injuries.

« His job and responsibility is to generate shots for others when he penetrates and to understand which shots he has angles and can shoot at a high percentage and which he can’t. Not that I’m giving him carte blanche “, the coach said again.

Billu Donovan wants to make the most of the slasher quality of a player who isn’t too keen on the 3-point shot (33.6% on 1.3 attempts per game). ” We need him to attack the rim, but he also can’t jump with two feet, get stuck in the air, try to shoot over a defender (or) try to attempt passes that don’t exist. He needs to clean up his game, and we need to help him do that », aims the coach.

So Rob Dillingham has to learn to better control his aggression toward the rim and make better decisions overall. Otherwise, he would risk blowing his second chance at the big leagues in Chicago.

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How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.