Following the blockbuster deal that saw them trade star Karl Anthony-Towns to the New York Knicks, there was hope that the Minnesota Timberwolves would get significantly better. The early results have been mixed.
They are only 8-7 in their first 15 games and rank 10th in the Western Conference despite the dramatically improved Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle playing well. On the other hand, Donte DiVincenzo, who was also acquired from the Knicks in the Towns trade, has yet to live up to expectations.
In New York, he was an accurate 3-point bomber who set the team record for made threes in a season while primarily coming off the bench. He also showed some playmaking chops in addition to being a capable defender. In Minnesota, however, he has yet to be as impactful, which may have much to do with a change in his role.
Are you surprised to see Donte DiVincenzo get off to a slow start this season? pic.twitter.com/RXQNEOPuNX
— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) November 21, 2024
Are the Minnesota Timberwolves misusing Donte DiVincenzo?
With the Wolves, DiVincenzo has played more on-ball than off-ball and has struggled to replicate his shooting. Part of that has been due to them relying less on Mike Conley Jr., who hasn't been as good this season. It also may have something to do with the Timberwolves' reluctance to play Rob Dillingham, who was initially expected to play consistent minutes at backup point guard.
That has forced Divicenzo to play more point guard, a position that he isn't nearly as good at playing and it has impacted him and his fit with the Wolves. The Wolves were hoping that he would add some extra bite to their bench when paired with reigning Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid but DiVincenzo has yet to have an impact.
Bruh what happened to Donte DiVincenzo.
— P (@playoffpbball) November 22, 2024
Donte DiVincenzo has been such a disappointment and I can’t say that enough. Embarrassing.
— Salley Mitchell (@SalleyBMitchell) November 22, 2024
The Wolves' decision to replace Towns, a crucial member of their Western Conference Finals team from the previous season, was likely to cause some growing pains. After all, Towns is the best big-man shooter in NBA history, and replacing him with a less efficient player in Randle who is effective but in a different way. Getting DiVincenzo to revert back to his natural position of playing off-ball while others, such as Conley Jr. or Edwards, handle is the best use of his talents.
If they can get DiVincenzo going, then they will have the type of depth that they were hoping for when they turned Towns into him and Randle. With the Wolves off to a sluggish start, simply changing how they use DiVincenzo could help unlock one of the better shooters in the NBA and boost their offense.