Rob Dillingham is starting to find his rhythm with the Chicago Bulls, a team he joined through a series of trades that saw him leave the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Ayo Dosunmu.
Dillingham is embracing the Bulls' playing style, as reported by Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. He appreciates the differences between the coaching approaches of Billy Donovan and Chris Finch. Dillingham enjoys the freedom to handle the ball more with the Bulls, a contrast to his previous experience.
“Just two different styles of offense - not as much holding the ball [with the Bulls],” Dillingham, 21, explained. “In Minnesota, it was, like, every possession mattered to the point where mistakes weren't easily forgiven. Here, the game flows differently, and there’s room to grow and learn.”
Coach Donovan sees potential in Dillingham, especially with his knack for scoring. He wants Dillingham to harness that ability but also to refine his decision-making.
“He’s the one guy who can really penetrate defenses off the dribble,” Donovan noted. “That’s a huge asset.
But the shots he’s taking need to be more calculated. We’re working on that.”
Donovan emphasized the importance of smart play: “His role is to create opportunities for others and recognize when he has a high-percentage shot. It’s not about giving him free rein; it’s about smart aggression. He needs to attack but make better decisions, and that will develop over time.”
Reflecting on his performance against the Boston Celtics on February 11, where he scored 16 points and had seven assists in a 124-105 loss, Dillingham highlighted the learning experience.
“[Last week] was my first time playing against the Celtics and actually having the ball in my hand,” he shared. “If I face them a few more times, I’ll know how to handle their defense. It’s all about experience, studying film, and applying that knowledge.”
The Bulls currently stand at 24-31, grappling with a six-game losing streak as they approach the All-Star break. They’re set to face the Toronto Raptors in their first game back, aiming to turn things around.