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Not all players are equally prepared for the sudden and unexpected changes that come with the hectic pace of the NBA. A trade can disrupt any player’s plans. And even more so when it means having to play for your fifth team in five seasons.
In a recent interview with journalist Jon Krawczynski, from the media The Athletic, guard of the Minnesotans TimberwolvesDonte DiVincenzo admitted that he found it difficult to move on when he was traded from the New York Knicks.
DiVincenzo hoped his best year as a professional would translate into some professional stability in the Big Apple after two ups and downs previous with the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors. However, he was included in the trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks.
His departure to Minnesota undermined his confidence. In the training camp He was unmotivated and his first month of regular season with the indispensable and necessary Timberwolves He was especially discreet, averaging 9,5 points with a field goal success rate of 34,8%.
Then, also unexpectedly, a man crossed his path. surprise actor. On December 15, Dennis Schröder was traded to the Golden State Warriors, the team for which DiVincenzo played during the 2022-23 season.
This past together led Schröder to reach out to DiVincenzo for advice on how to acclimatize to the Warriors. In turn, the German international offered DiVincenzo some recommendations for facing his new stage in Minnesota.
“He was very direct in his words,” DiVincenzo said of his conversation with Schröder. “He said it’s tough. You just have to go out there and play. It doesn’t matter where you are. Just be yourself and play like you know how. Look in the mirror and think, ‘Okay, this is where it is right now. Let go of last year and think about this year.’”
The trade has changed DiVincenzo’s approach, and he has found a new way to enjoy basketball in recent weeks. “I’m back to playing with joy and love for the game instead of comparing myself to what I’ve already done and trying to build off of that,” the Los Angeles guard added. Timberwolves. “Just being there. You can’t take anything for granted. You’re playing in the NBA. And you’re doing it for one of the best teams in the league, alongside one of the best young superstars in the NBA. Go have fun with him.”
After this talk, DiVincenzo’s game has regained the spark it had last season. In fact, in the seven games he has played since then, his averages have risen to 15,9 points and 3,4 assists, with a 47,4% success rate in field goals.
“We all put a high standard on ourselves, so there are times when it seems like the negative is worse than it actually is,” DiVincenzo added. “For me, it’s just understanding that some games aren’t going to go our way. That we’re not going to have our night. But what can we depend on? Playing with energy, doing the little things and giving our all for our teammates.”
His recent performance has not been overlooked by the coaching staff of the Timberwolves, where he has received praise from Chris Finch. “He’s giving us everything,” Finch said. “He’s giving us everything we knew he could give, with rebounding, shooting and playing smart.”
(Cover photo by Brad Rempel-Imagn Images)
