The 2024 NBA draft is approaching soon, with rumors circulating throughout the league. As per ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham has been actively advocating to be chosen by the San Antonio Spurs. This development is unexpected, given the team’s usual drafting patterns. Is Dillingham a suitable option for the Spurs, and are they interested in him at all?
Dillingham’s appreciation for Victor Wembanyama is well known. The 6’1″ guard has openly expressed his wish to team up with the highly praised French prospect. During an interview at the NBA draft combine in Chicago, Dillingham enthusiastically praised Wembanyama, suggesting that he has the potential to become “one of the greatest players of all time.” He also showed his readiness to support Wembanyama in his game, stating, “When I’m on the court with Wemby, it’s clear — my goal is to pass the ball to him.”
Although Dillingham may desire to team up with Wembanyama, there are doubts about the Spurs’ willingness to have them play together. The team has a track record of selecting players who match their unique system and culture. Nevertheless, they have the chance to make a strong statement with their first two draft picks (4th and 8th overall).
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Jonathan Wasserman from Bleacher Report predicts that Dillingham will be selected 11th by the Chicago Bulls in his most recent mock draft. At the same time, Wasserman predicts that the Spurs will choose Matas Buzelis from G League Ignite and Devin Carter from Providence with their first and second picks. There is some doubt regarding what may happen to Dillingham.
Wasserman likens Dillingham to ex-sixth man star Lou Williams, pointing out his scoring skills and capacity to adjust. Nonetheless, he points out that certain teams may see him as a less substantial prospect in his position. League sources suggest that the Detroit Pistons and Portland Trail Blazers are not likely to pursue him because of their current backcourt situations.
The Charlotte Hornets may be a choice, however, they ended the previous season ranked as the worst in defensive performance. Sources indicate that the Spurs are not likely to be targeted as well.
However, it is improbable that Dillingham will completely fall out of the lottery. During his first year at Kentucky, he had a remarkable season with an average of 15.2 points per game, shooting 47.5% overall (44.4% from beyond the arc), and dishing out 3.9 assists per game. No matter where he is selected in the draft, it seems inevitable that Dillingham will have a prosperous and enduring NBA career.