“Timberwolves' rookie Rob Dillingham receives DNP on opening day”

Somewhat puzzlingly, the Minnesota Timberwolves did not play their newest top-10 pick, Rob Dillingham, in Tuesday night's opener.

It wasn't exactly shocking. The new-look Timberwolves had to start their season with a bang and had a top-class opponent in the Lakers, led by Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Due to a gigantic performance from Davis, they eventually lost the game 110-103. But it's not inconceivable that they wouldn't be willing to use an NBA rookie in such a high-profile game.

Still, it's a bit confusing considering the team was in desperate need of scoring after scoring just 42 points in the first half and shooting 41% overall on the night.

Dillingham offers exactly that with a height of around 1.90 meters. So much so that he became a top 10 pick right behind it. At Kentucky, Dillingham scored 26.1 points per 40 minutes while shooting 48% from the field and an incredible 45% from distance.

The team also seemed to lack depth, which was a pleasant surprise given Dillingham's Summer League and preseason abilities. At the Summer League in Las Vegas, Dillingham averaged 7.6 assists per game, good for fifth place at the event. In just his second preseason game, he recorded a miraculous nine assists with zero turnovers, an elite mark for a rookie

On draft night, the Timberwolves obviously thought his skillset was worth adding, trading a future first-round pick and a future first-round pick swap to go at No. 8.

This also makes Dillingham's exclusion from Tuesday's game all the more questionable. He has been a strong scorer for a long time, even dating back to his time in Overtime Elite.

According to NBA Draft on SI's initial scouting report on Dillingham: “Although he is a good passer and has what it takes to score, Dillingham is best as a creator for himself. He is a skilled finisher at the rim and has also a reliable jumper. He needs to continue to improve his efficiency in the outfield, but his scoring prowess shouldn't be questioned. He is great at attacking spaces and also getting to the line.

In all likelihood, the team plans to integrate the young player into the NBA this season. And the bright lights of the Lakers Arena weren't the best place for that. Essentially, there will be less pressure in every game after the season opener.

Dillingham will have a long-term spot in the team rotation as the point guard of the future. And that's made even clearer by his potential tutelage under veteran Mike Conley. It looks like Timberwolves fans will have to wait to see it.

After a narrow loss to Los Angeles on Tuesday, Minnesota faces a quick turnaround against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday at 9 p.m.