Rob Dillingham's talent was recognized by the league's former MVP

The Minnesota Timberwolves will look much different than last year when they officially take the floor for their first regular season game against the Lakers on Tuesday night. For the 2024 Western Conference runner-up, Karl-Anthony Towns is out, Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo are on.

Other strong contributors like Kyle Anderson are also gone, and in his place are seasoned veterans as well as a few highly talented rookies. Terrence Shannon Jr. and Rob Dillingham each bring a unique skill set, and both are expected to play a role for this team in 2024-25.

In fact, Dillingham has made such a splash in his prep and collegiate career that he is already being recognized by senior players in the association. Not many rookies achieve such notoriety upon entering the league, but Rob is already catching the attention of respected veterans. The latest to recognize his incredible talent? Russell Westbrook.

During the Timberwolves' Thursday night preseason contest with the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook pulled Dillingham aside and chatted with him for a few moments, likely offering a few words of wisdom to the young talent. When Rob was asked about that moment in a post-game interview, he shared what the experience was like.

“Yeah, that was crazy,” Dillingham said. “I've watched Westbrook since I was a little kid. Literally, since I was in middle school. I've seen Westbrook my whole life, and it's crazy just knowing that he knows who I am.” Usually for every NBA rookie, there's a “welcome to the league” moment when they realize that he actually plays in the association and against all the players he watched as a child. It's safe to say this could be one of those moments for Rob.

If Dillingham has been watching Russ play since he was in middle school, he might relate to Westbrook's unforgettable 2016-17 MVP season. Rob would have been in sixth grade this year, and for that reason, it is a season that is still etched in the memories of countless NBA fans.

A moment like this for Dillingham underscores the talent the Timberwolves have on their hands. There are a lot of talented rookies out there, but knowing some of the biggest faces in the league right from the start has to be an extra confidence boost.