SAN FRANCISCO — Donte DiVincenzo plays winning basketball.
Whether he's flying in for a rebound, making a hockey assist pass, or burying a critical shot, DiVincenzo seems to make the correct decision. It’s hard to believe the Golden State Warriors have him under contract for just $4.5 million this season. It’s also hard to believe the 5th year player will opt into his $4.7 million player option for next season. He is worth much more.
In the win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night, DiVincenzo’s value was on full display. Statistically, he’s had better performances, but his 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and four steals in a team-high 38 minutes were all timely. His biggest play was not even represented in the box score, winning a jump ball with 5.0 seconds left in the game, bailing Golden State out of a nearly disastrous inbound.
“I never win jump balls,” joked DiVincenzo after the 109-104 win.
He may rarely win jump balls, but he’s no stranger to winning.
From two National Championships and an NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player at Villanova to a title with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, DiVincenzo has consistently associated himself with victory. He also won two state championships in high school.
“He’s not just a shooter or playmaker, defender – like he’s everything,” explained Steve Kerr postgame. “Huge energy, great competitive desire, and relentlessness.”
Those traits are not taught. You either have them or you don’t.
Basketball heads often speak about defense and rebounding being effort-first tasks. It’s not glamorous, just hard work. When discussing his rebounding specifically, DiVincenzo explained that his father has always expected him to rebound, without reward. The reward against Minnesota was a come-from-behind win, one that Golden State desperately needed to climb back above .500.
“Probably his best game of the season,” said Klay Thompson about DiVincenzo. “He’s showing why he was so coveted for us this past offseason.”
He is about to become even more coveted this upcoming offseason, especially if the Warriors make another extended playoff run.
Gary Payton II followed a similar path, parlaying his breakout season in 2021-22 into a multi-year deal with Portland – before being recently traded back. If Payton II earned $26 million over three years at age 30, it’s hard to imagine DiVincenzo not commanding significantly more this summer. He’s a better shooter, passer, and rebounder. He has a winning track record. Plus, DiVincenzo is only 26 years old. Each teammate in Golden State has gushed over his play and why they love to compete with him. So will other suitors.
In many ways, DiVincenzo’s contract with the Warriors was a “prove-it” deal. Prove that he could stay healthy after an injury-riddled season, check – on pace to play close to 70 games. Prove that he could reclaim the shot that escaped him after being traded from Milwaukee to the Sacramento Kings, check–shooting 41.5% from three and close to 50% in February. Prove that he can effectively fill a backcourt void, check-started 15 games, averaging 11-5-4 (points, rebounds, assists) in 33.1 minutes per game. Contract years can often bring out the best in players. DiVincenzo has checked that box as well.
The same reason that Golden State chose not to resign GP2 – strapped for cash – is also why DiVincenzo’s return is unlikely. Nobody would fault him for it. Friday night’s stat-stuffing impact has endeared him to Warriors fans. Sure, there might be a rare lane where DiVincenzo chooses to opt-in to his player option, but that would not be a wise business decision. He may get injured or regress (a statistical probability based on his career).
Maximizing this season is the best choice for DiVincenzo. The Warriors are well aware of that. Golden State has made a habit of getting players paid, i.e. Harrison Barnes, Festus Ezeli, and the aforementioned Payton II. The Warriors will undoubtedly try to bring DiVincenzo back, but it is probably not feasible.
It’s two-sided because the reason DiVincenzo’s future may not align with the Warriors is because of his present impact. If Golden State is to make a run at the title, DiVincenzo will play an important role. Klay Thompson said as much on Sunday.
“He’s got incredible experience and he’s just going to be incredibly important for us going down the stretch.”
That’s straight from the shooter's mouth. Enjoy DiVincenzo’s best games, like the one against the Timberwolves. All signs point towards those games being numbered, for the right reasons.
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