The Clippers could use another swing at upside, and Rob Dillingham fits that kind of bet.
LA is short on young talent by almost any measure. The team has had very few lottery picks over the last decade, and it just lost five first-round selections after the findings of the cap circumvention investigation involving the two-time champion, Kawhi Leonard. In that context, taking a chance on a former top-10 pick who still has obvious offensive juice makes plenty of sense.
Dillingham, the No. 8 pick in 2024, was waived by the Charlotte Hornets, but his profile still pops. The Kentucky product has a one-of-a-kind handle, can score at all three levels, and can create for teammates. A change of scenery might be exactly what he needs to get his NBA career moving in the right direction.
At 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, Dillingham comes with the obvious concern that has followed him from college to the pros: defense. But there’s no denying he can play. That showed up at Kentucky, in stretches with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and more consistently with the Chicago Bulls.
After the trade deadline, he played 30 games for Chicago and averaged 9.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 21.5 minutes per night. He also had flashes that reminded people why he was such a high pick, including a 26-point game at Washington and an efficient 25-point outing at Dallas in Chicago’s final game of the season.
For the Clippers, the cleanest route would be a two-way contract. There’s no need to carve out a full roster spot immediately, especially with one just opening up after LA waived Jamarion Sharp. That gives Dillingham a runway without much risk attached.
If he stays patient, delivers when called upon, and strings together consistent stretches, the Clippers could end up with a useful piece for the future alongside Keaton Wagler and Co. If it doesn’t work out, they’ll at least know they took the shot.
Either way, the only real question is whether LA is willing to make the call.
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