Donte DiVincenzo will be returning to the court this season.
*knocks on wood*
Barring any type of setback, there was a very positive update that was provided about his rehab from his Achilles surgery. The Timberwolves have been releasing content on their YouTube page documenting DiVincenzo’s recovery under the series title “Day Zero.” In the most recent video uploaded on Sunday, there were some very exciting and candid remarks by his doctor.
“Easily.”
Again, we should exercise caution when it comes to our expectations for Big Ragu. Not long ago, an Achilles tear was a career-ending type of injury. Elite NBA perimeter players like Tyrese Haliburton and Damian Lillard both sat out an entire season to ensure they were truly ready to return. Even then, the former has already picked up a hamstring injury this season. The body is entirely connected and a rehab from an injury will 100% impact other body parts.
If DiVincenzo is an integral part of President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly’s grand plan, as he has said many times, then treating his return with oven mitts would be wise.
However, it’s still hard not to get excited about his potential return. Whenever that may be. Since the Rudy Gobert acquisition in 2022, the Wolves have fluctuated as a three-point shooting team. They flashed a brief glimpse of what a one-big offense could look like as they fired off 50 three-point attempts in their season opener against the Magic. They’ve leveled off a bit since then, but will still could benefit off a more perimeter-oriented attack.
The reintegration of DiVincenzo back into the line-up would likely be a boon for the Wolves. He was third in the league in three-point attempts and sixth in total makes a season ago. Surely, he won’t have the same usage nor lead the team in games played (and started) again, but adding a 38% career marksman from deep, who’s deadly both off movement or catch-and-shoot situations, to the rotation will boost the Wolves overall perimeter attack.
Donte’s impact would also be felt on the defensive end.
He was fourth on the team in defensive win shares last season, but led the team with 241 deflections (73 more than second place), 62 loose ball recovered (fifth in the league), and 104 steals (15th in the league). Obviously his athletic pop may not be the exact same, but his hustle and effort will unquestionably still be there. Head coach Chris Finch has been vocal that he’s expected his team to play with more of a “fly around” mentality on defense this season, and no one flies around more than DiVincenzo.
“When I do come back, I can just plug and play, and try to take them to another level.”
I have no sourcing or insider knowledge about this topic, but I do have a good track record of predicting things. I’ll wager 690 Hoopus Points that Donte is back on the court before the All-Star break. I’ll even call my shot and say he makes his debut on January 27th, 2027 against the team he suffered his injury against, the Denver Nuggets. Think otherwise and want to wager against me in a peer-to-peer prediction market that’s bound to destroy this league?
Get a life.
