With news that Donte DiVincenzo is expected to opt out of his $4.7 million player option for next season, he will hit free agency on July 1st. What kind of market will there be for him?
Donte DiVincenzo Free Agent Profile
REPORT: There’s a “belief” Donte DiVincenzo will decline his $4.7M player option, per @MikeAScotto.
He will likely be too expensive for Warriors to retain in free agency. 👀 pic.twitter.com/vvVJbsNst6
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 18, 2023
Background
DiVincenzo’s time in Golden State certainly appears to be up, as he will probably be too expensive to bring back. On top of that, he was brought in to play Steve Kerr’s “small big” role, and it never turned out that way. Golden State thought he could come in, handle the ball well, rebound effectively, and score either at the basket or from three-point range. By the end of the year, he had basically turned into a backup point guard as the Warriors reacquired Gary Payton II at the deadline to fill the unique role.
Golden State was DiVincenzo’s third NBA team after stops in Milwaukee and Sacramento, winning a title with the Bucks in 2021. His career averages include 9.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game on 42 percent shooting from the field and 36.2 percent from three.
Strengths
DiVincenzo is an elite guard defender. His athleticism helps him stay in front of opposing ball handlers and disrupt offenses. He can guard 94 feet and wear out other point guards while creating steals and deflections to produce fast breaks.
A great finisher at the rim, DiVincenzo uses his athletic ability to contort in the air and convert difficult shots. His strength also allows him to fight through contact and finish over defenders.
Above all, DiVincenzo has a high basketball IQ. He’s an NBA champion who knows what it takes to win and constantly makes the right plays. His adaptability makes him great for positionless basketball, and he can be a good fit in most places.
Weaknesses
There’s really not anything that DiVincenzo does poorly. He’s a jack of all trades, master of none. The biggest knock on him is that he went cold in the postseason. He missed big shots when Golden State needed them and didn’t show when it mattered most (this year).
Potential Fits
One good fit for DiVincenzo is New York. A team that already has Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart gives him the familiarity of his Villanova teammates while having the money to sign him to a fair deal. After parting ways with Derrick Rose, DiVincenzo could be a good guy to fill that gap and be an extra ball handler behind Brunson. He’s a hard worker and could fill in nicely in New York.
Depending on how you view the situation in Houston, his work ethic could make him a good fit there, too. New Rockets coach Ime Udoka is looking to shift the culture, and experienced guys could help him change the tide. DiVincenzo would be a good locker-room presence for a team that has 11 players under the age of 23.
