Following an eventful offseason, Donte DiVincenzo must prove to the Milwaukee Bucks why he’s worth keeping for the near future.
The Milwaukee Bucks are moving forward with clear aspirations of an NBA championship and 23-year-old guard Donte DiVincenzo has an excellent opportunity to contribute toward their glorified hopes.
2018’s No. 17 overall pick averaged 9.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in 23.0 minutes per game for the Bucks last season. He shot 45.5 percent from the field and 33.6 percent from beyond the arc. Donte took a major leap from his rookie season and solidified himself as a consistent piece within head coach Mike Budenholzer’s rotation.
Those numbers did take an unfortunate drop in the Orlando bubble, which led to diminished minutes in the postseason. There were higher expectations for DiVincenzo in the playoffs since many thought he would be the spark off the bench that would help lift Milwaukee to an NBA title.
When asked about his struggles in the bubble during his first media press conference with the Milwaukee Bucks this season on Friday, DiVincenzo stated:
"“No matter what it is, the offseason, the bubble, there’s no excuses. I’ve got to be better, especially when we are trying to make a run at the title. I’ve been working out with a chip on my shoulder to get better.”"
An admiring aspect about Donte DiVincenzo throughout his basketball career has always been his confidence level, but he just didn’t seem to be playing with confidence in the bubble. After a disappointing postseason performance and a frustrating playoff exit from the Bucks last season, DiVincenzo seems determined to regain his rhythm and shine in the spotlight for the upcoming 2020-21 NBA season.
In addition, his recent lack of contributions won’t be the only force fueling his motivation entering next season. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Milwaukee Bucks had a deal in place with the Sacramento Kings this offseason that would have sent DiVincenzo, D.J. Wilson, and Ersan Ilyasova to the Kings in exchange for Bogdan Bogdanovic and Justin James before it was suspiciously called off.
It has to be the worst feeling in the business of the NBA to find out you’ve been traded via social media, and Donte had to go through that still as a young pup in the league. Most players would immediately feel a great sense of betrayal after hearing your name in trade talks, but that didn’t appear to be the case for DiVincenzo with the Bucks.
Donte expressed how happy he was in his press conference to be able to stay in Milwaukee instead of going to Sacramento.
"“It’s no knock on any other team in the league, but this is the team that gave me the opportunity to start my career and I’m forever thankful for that. I give my all to the city and the staff, and I’m very thankful to continue the journey.”"
DiVincenzo is clearly still committed to the Milwaukee Bucks and trusts the organization despite the trade rumors and reports circulating his name. His mentality hasn’t changed throughout this offseason as he prepares to continue playing for the Bucks.
"“Nothing really changed for me going into this offseason. My focus was my body, my health, and getting better. Literally, all offseason, nothing changed with all the reports coming out. I still worked out. I still kept mentally I was fine. We have great people. I have great people in my corner checking in with me mentally every day, so nothing changed for me. Just come in, go to work, and get better.”"
DiVincenzo is approaching this upcoming season with pure motivation and determination, and he’ll look to use that toward implementing himself as a key piece to the success of the Bucks. In fact, he should be starting for the team this season with the departure of Wesley Matthews.
With doubts about his impact still lingering and previous trade talks haunting his name, DiVincenzo will be focused more than ever heading into his third NBA season. While overcoming adversity and continuously working to improve, it’s time for Donte DiVincenzo to take another leap and shine bright for the Milwaukee Bucks as they chase history.