With Philadelphia 76ers Media Day concluded and LeBron James and Jaylen Brown officially introduced, the Sixers appear to be on top of the world. The offseason transformation has been nothing short of a dream for many fans, but it’s important to remember that the team isn’t technically done building its roster yet.
While their final standard roster spot likely won't be filled until later in the season due to apron restrictions, the Sixers still have a chance to make a high-upside addition on a two-way deal. Former lottery pick Rob Dillingham was waived by the Charlotte Hornets just days after being traded to the team. With the Sixers having one two-way spot open and a need for guard depth, they may want to take a chance on Dillingham.
Dillingham has had a rough start to his NBA career. He was selected eighth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2024 NBA Draft to be a backcourt running mate for franchise cornerstone Anthony Edwards. Instead, Dillingham appeared in only 84 games with the Timberwolves, averaging a disappointing 4.0 points per game on 39.8% shooting from the field. Eventually, the young guard was sent to the Chicago Bulls alongside other assets in exchange for Ayo Dosunmu.
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Once he reached Chicago, Dillingham showed slight improvement, shooting better from the field and averaging more points than he did during his second season with the Timberwolves. That being said, Dillingham still struggled with the Bulls. Despite an improved field goal percentage, the young guard still shot just 42.8% from the field and 30.0% from beyond the arc. After his first season in Chicago, Dillingham was traded to the Hornets before eventually being waived.
With the Sixers’ potential need for increased guard depth and their current cap situation, they are in a rare position to make an addition with untapped potential. At only 21 years old, Dillingham is a player who still possesses immense upside. While he’s had a rough start to his NBA career, the former Kentucky Wildcat was a highly drafted prospect for a reason. At Kentucky, Dillingham showed off impressive shot creation and ball-handling skills, which led to him averaging 15.2 points in only 23.3 minutes per game.
Dillingham’s professional success has been far less consistent. He’s a very skinny guard who has yet to fully translate his game to the NBA level. He’s had games where he has been able to show off his microwave-like play style, but he has had more games where his shot chart is full of bad shots.
This is why the Sixers specifically may be a great place for him to land. With players like LeBron James and Tyrese Maxey on the roster, he would be able to learn from some of the best leaders in the NBA. On top of that, the Sixers have recently had a ton of success with their two-way prospects. Justin Edwards and Dominick Barlow have both become important role players for the Sixers, while former two-way Sixer Ricky Council IV recently signed a training camp deal with the Orlando Magic.
All in all, the Sixers don’t need to rush into signing Rob Dillingham to a two-way deal. They are being patient with their final two-way spot, and with guard Rayan Rupert currently holding one, the Sixers may not want to add another guard to the mix. However, Dillingham has just the right blend of shot creation and untapped potential to make him an intriguing option for new Sixers President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey to consider.
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