The Donte DiVincenzo experiment in Minnesota has a ways to go.
The shooting guard acquired in the blockbuster offseason trade with the Knicks has seen inconsistent playing time and already has been the subject of trade rumors 17 games into his Timberwolves tenure.
The low point may have come on Tuesday night when DiVincenzo did not see the floor after being sat midway through the third quarter in the Timberwolves’ 117-111 overtime defeat.
DiVincenzo finished the night with three points in 15 minutes and the Timberwolves rallied from down double-digits to force overtime.
DiVincenzo has played 22 or fewer minutes in four of the past seven games.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said “our offense is affecting our defense” in his post game press conference, and explained how the team is impacted with DiVincenzo and Nickeil Alexander-Walker at the point guard position as point guard Mike Conley is sidelined with a sprained toe.
“I think it’s evident that, kind of, our rhythm is effected,” Finch said when a reporter noted that the offense looked different with rookie point guard Rob Dillingham, who finished with 12 points and season highs with seven assists and five rebounds, on the floor.
“Often times, Ant [Edwards] and Julius [Randle] probably feel like they have to do too much too early in the offense so yes for sure Rob’s play as of late has definitely revealed that for us.”
Alexander-Walker finished with 13 points in 30 minutes.
DiVincenzo, who’s not even three months into his Timberwolves tenure, has been mentioned in trade rumors amid Minnesota’s rough start to the 2024 season.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Timberwolves have zero interest in parting ways with the point guard, adding that Minnesota had wanted his talents for some time.
And Minnesota has plenty of time to figure out a way to jell with the additions of DiVincenzo and Randle.
The Timberwolves (8-9) play the Kings (8-10) in Minnesota on Wednesday.
