After attending Ye’s Donda Academy, playing for Overtime Elite, and spending one season with the Kentucky Wildcats, Rob Dillingham made it to the NBA thanks to the Spurs drafting him eighth overall in the 2024 NBA draft. However, he was immediately traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves on draft night. Before he can get any minutes in the league, Nike has signed the 19-year-old rookie.
While at the University of Kentucky, Dillingham made his presence known even if he was coming off the bench for most of the season. He averaged 15.2 points per game and shot a solid 47.5% from the field. Nick DePaula, who reported on Dillingham’s Nike deal, did not disclose details surrounding the agreement. Considering Rob is early in his NBA career, Nike likely signed him to secure the star before others could make a move. Depending on how his first few seasons in the NBA play out, we could see Nike decide to expand their commitment to Dillingham, potentially offering him his signature sneaker if his performance on the court and presence of it prove captivating to fans. If he can carve out his niche and build his brand, this deal could be the first of many significant endorsements for Dillingham.
There will be more news regarding rookie signings in the coming weeks as the 2024-2025 NBA season begins. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest happenings in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
