Since joining the Minnesota Timberwolves shortly before 2024 training camp in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, Donte DiVincenzo has been a valuable asset for the organization. Upon arrival, he showed flashes of the shooting touch and intensity he displayed in New York, and the trade proved to be a win-win for both organizations.
But this season, after his promotion to the starting lineup, DiVincenzo has experienced some inconsistencies.
His 3-pointer has not been falling, especially lately. DiVincenzo’s percentage has dropped from 40% last season to 36%. He is making three of his eight attempts per game.
DiVincenzo’s shooting struggles have been evident. The misses often come at inopportune times, with chances to extend runs and obtain momentum at stake. But the former national champion at Villanova never allows his inability to hit shots affect everything else he does on the court – it might just be his superpower.
Chris Finch praised DiVincenzo’s ability to set the tone for Minnesota following Saturday’s win in Miami.
“I thought Donte was a great tone-setter tonight,” Finch said. “He was really good defensively, right from the jump.”
DiVincenzo was 5 for 13 from the field and 1 for 8 from three in the game. But he still had a job to do guarding one of the league’s best scorers, Norman Powell, on the other end. Miss or make, DiVincenzo remains undeterred by his offensive woes.
His willingness to be aggressive keeps the Wolves in rhythm. Regardless of the result, DiVincenzo’s 3-point shot is a focus for opposing defenses. With that, it allows the 28-year-old guard to be a threat whenever he is on the court.
DiVincenzo asserted himself in Tuesday’s 122-94 win against the Miami Heat. DiVincenzo was struggling to hit shots, but he never wavered in his approach. In the final minute of the third quarter, he made two threes, which energized the Target Center crowd. In a game where he wasn’t shooting well, DiVincenzo highlighted how he can still make a meaningful impact.
On the defensive end, DiVincenzo remains one of Minnesota’s better defenders. Just like on the offensive end, DiVincenzo is an aggressive defender, but also a disciplined one. He does a great job staying in front of his man, navigating screens, and his awareness allows him to get the occasional steal.
DiVincenzo is also a veteran who holds himself and his teammates accountable. His honest interactions with the media, whether the Wolves perform well or not, showcase a strong leader who has value in any locker room.
He has been part of a winning culture throughout his entire career, dating back to his time as a national champion in college. It has been no different in the NBA – from winning a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks to the Golden State Warriors to New York and now Minnesota – DiVincenzo knows what it takes to win at the highest level.
But the dilemma with DiVincenzo lies within his inconsistent play. The biggest weakness for this Wolves team, as it was last year, is the point guard position. They need someone who can create shots and complement Anthony Edwards, much like Mike Conley did in his first two years with the Timberwolves.
Not to say the DiVincenzo and Edwards pairing has been a failed experiment, but is it enough to compete atop a stacked Western Conference? The Wolves saw it last season against the Oklahoma City Thunder – effective guard play can make the difference. Minnesota cannot afford to go into another postseason without a quality point guard.
It is why the Wolves have been listed as a potential suitor for some of the point guards rumored to be available this season. Trae Young, Ja Morant, and Coby White, to name a few. All three players could come in and give the Wolves an offensive jolt.
But one problem is that, as nice as it may sound to acquire a player who raises their offensive floor, the Wolves still maintain a defensive identity that is not exactly aligned with the player profiles of those guards.
While each of them brings offensive firepower, they lack as point-of-attack defenders. The Wolves cannot afford for their defensive effectiveness to plummet.
DiVincenzo’s cap hit is not as significant as theirs, either. He will not be an unrestricted free agent until the 2027 offseason and is making just shy of $12 million this season – a steal considering his value to Finch in multiple lineups.
However, the least destructive and realistic scenario could see the Wolves parting ways with DiVincenzo, a young player like Dillingham, and draft assets. Losing Julius Randle or Naz Reid, given the Wolves’ financial situation and the value they each bring to the rotation, may prove too costly. The right player would have to become available for that to happen.
It is up to Tim Connelly and the Wolves’ front office to determine whether they can identify that player. Regardless, as long as he remains in the Twin Cities, expect DiVincenzo to maintain his role as a key piece toward Minnesota’s championship aspirations.