Rob Dillingham and his college teammate are in nearly identical situations

Kentucky teammates Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard were selected as lottery picks in the 2024 NBA Draft, with Sheppard going third overall to the Houston Rockets and Dillingham eighth to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both are undersized guards known for shooting, though they exhibit distinct playing styles: Dillingham is a dynamic, shifty playmaker with elite shot creation, while Sheppard operates as a high-IQ connector with strong defensive instincts for his size.

As rookies on competitive teams, both saw limited action. Dillingham averaged 10.9 minutes, 4.5 points, and 2 assists over 49 games, with shooting splits of 44.1% FG, 33.8% 3PT, and 53.3% FT. Sheppard played 12.6 minutes per game across 52 appearances, posting 4.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, while shooting 35.1% FG, 33.8% 3PT, and 81.3% FT. Despite minimal playing time, each flashed upside, with Dillingham scoring 10+ points eight times and Sheppard achieving it six times.

Entering their second season, both guards are expected to assume larger roles due to team needs and developmental progression. The Timberwolves lack point guard depth beyond Dillingham and 38-year-old Mike Conley, whose offensive decline and the team’s need for perimeter creation could accelerate Dillingham’s minutes. Similarly, Houston’s point guard rotation features Fred VanVleet (who logged heavy minutes last season), Aaron Holiday, and JD Davison, potentially allowing Sheppard opportunities if VanVleet’s workload eases.

While Dillingham’s path to minutes appears clearer, Sheppard may offer a safer option due to superior decision-making and defense. Dillingham’s higher turnover rate and defensive limitations contrast with Sheppard’s steadiness, though Dillingham’s shot-creation talent suggests greater immediate and long-term upside. Both teams, having invested lottery picks, face the challenge of balancing competitiveness with youth development, especially given the guards’ skill sets and rotational openings.