Donte DiVincenzo offers a crucial skill that nobody on the Timberwolves can match

In some ways, Donte DiVincenzo feels like the heart and soul of the Minnesota Timberwolves. That might sound crazy, given that this is just his second year with the team. While most people (understandably) know DiVincenzo for his 3-point shooting, he offers so much more outside of just shooting.

DiVincenzo plays with relentless energy -- a skill that uplifts the Wolves. On a team that can sometimes be lethargic, DiVincenzo's energy is particularly vital. This allows him to always make a positive impact, even during off-shooting nights. As such, the 6-foot-4 guard is one of the team's most consistent players.

I don't think anybody would mistake DiVincenzo as an All-Defensive caliber player. But dammit, he gives his all every time that he's on the court. Whether it's diving on the floor for a loose ball, taking a charge, playing the passing lanes, crashing the glass, or quickly rotating as a help defender, DiVincenzo does all the little things at a high level on defense.

Here's a play during Sunday's win over the San Antonio Spurs, where DiVincenzo lurks under the basket, steals an inbound pass, and nets a 3-pointer. I couldn't think of a better play to highlight DiVincenzo's impact.

DiVincenzo is a crucial part of the Timberwolves' success

Sunday was one of the best games of the season for DiVincenzo; he notched 19 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, and three steals while netting five triples. DiVincenzo's relentless defense, toughness, connective playmaking, ability to crash the glass, and 3-point shooting were all on full display.

The Villanova product is currently averaging a career-high 4.1 assists while taking on more ball-handling duties. DiVincenzo isn't a lead guard, but he is a fantastic connective playmaker who helps the Wolves' offense flow.

Getting back to the hustle skill set that makes DiVincenzo special. The Wolves' best defenders are undoubtedly Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels. Where DiVincenzo ranks among the Wolves' best defenders is up for debate. Regardless, it's clear that his ability to wreak havoc as a defensive playmaker and relentless energy on the ball allow him to make a positive impact on that end of the court.

Notably, per Databallr, DiVincenzo ranks in the 72nd percentile for steals per 100 possessions and the 73rd for deflections per 100 possessions. Furthermore, per Cleaning the Glass, the Wolves are 7.7 points per 100 possessions better on defense and a team-high 11.6 points per 100 possessions better overall with DiVincenzo on the court. DiVincenzo's relentless energy is central to his impact on both ends of the court.

His leadership and experience as an NBA champion are also key to the Timberwolves. Overall, it's abundantly clear that DiVincenzo impacts the team in multiple ways and is one of the best glue guys in the league.