Prospect Scouting Report: Rob Dillingham – At The Hive

We’ve devoted most of our scouting reports of first round picks to gritty players with strong defensive upside like Stephon Castle, Devin Carter, and Ron Holland. That seems like the right kind of player the Charlotte Hornets should be targeting high in the 2024 NBA Draft, but there’s always a chance they throw a curveball and select an undersized combo guard known for his offense.

Measurements

Height: 6’1″
Wingspan: 6’3″
Standing reach: 7’11”
Weight: 164 pounds

Strengths

Scoring ability, ball handling

Dillingham is a bucket. He came off the bench with Reed Sheppard behind Kentucky’s more highly rated but worse-playing recruits. The two made a perfect pairing with Sheppard playing the role of defensive menace and spot up shooter while Dillingham functioned as the offensive catalyst. He averaged 23.5 points per 36 minutes while shooting 47.5% from the field and 44.4% from three. He’s a three level scorer. He’s a knockdown spot up shooter but can also create looks for himself. He was a good finisher at the collegiate level and has a nice floater if his angles to the rim are taken away.

Rob Dillingham is skilled, confident, and creative.

15.2 PPG, 2.9 RPG, and 3.9 APG off the bench for Kentucky.

Scores and playmakes very well out of the PnR, is a high level shooter, and is super quick with a deep bag.

Who does his game remind you of?
pic.twitter.com/PFBnhXF8y3

— Lucas 🦦 (@redcooteay) June 7, 2024

Dillingham uses a tight handle to create separation for himself. He likes step backs going to his left and has range to hit that shot out past the 3-point line. Players that have the ability to create looks and stress the defense without needing the help of a screen are super valuable, especially if they’re willing passers. Dillingham is that, though he’s a little less refined as a distributor.

Robert Dillingham has been putting on an absolute show. His shot-making ability has been on full display. He’s so shifty with the ball which is on full display in this clip. pic.twitter.com/Kc8Q624qrO

— Global Scouting (@GlobalScouting_) October 21, 2022

Rob Dillingham tonight for Kentucky in the loss to TAMU

27 points
6 assists
4 boards
2 steals
9-19 FG
5-10 3P
4-5 FT

The 6’2 guard has elevated his game tremendously for the last few years, looking like a top 5, maybe even 3 player in this class. pic.twitter.com/nPtx7mUFjc

— nbadraftpoint (@draftpoint2024) March 16, 2024

Question Marks

Size, defense

Dillingham was the lightest player to attend the combine at just 164 pounds and the fifth shortest at 6’1″. He has a narrow frame and seems unlikely to become a much sturdier player. Unlike his similarly undersized teammate Reed Sheppard, Dillingham hasn’t found a way to be an impact player defensively despite his stature. He’s going to be picked on in high stakes games due to his size and will probably be a defensive liability to some extent over the course of a season.

Dillingham’s size suggests he should be running point, but he’s more of a scorer than facilitator at this point. That makes him a difficult player to pair in a back court, as teams will need a bigger guard that can handle point guard duties to play alongside him. It’s not that the Kentucky product is a bad facilitator, rather that him playing that role is not utilizing his biggest strengths.

Overall Outlook

Rob Dillingham is one of the better offensive prospects in this draft, but questions about his size and defensive ability make it entirely possible that he falls outside the top 10. He’s probably not the best fit with the Charlotte Hornets, who would potentially have a starting back court featuring two minus defenders. They’d essentially be recreating the LaMelo Ball-Terry Rozier back court. Dillingham is reminiscent of former Hornet Malik Monk, but the Hornets probably have other desires for this pick.