Donte DiVincenzo shares expectations for his role with Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves are just a few hours away from taking the floor for their first preseason game of the 2024-25 season. When they do, they will look very different from the last time we saw them publicly in an NBA game environment, when they walked off the floor in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals.

Yes, only one starter will in theory be different for Minnesota, but it was a starter that had defined the franchise for the last nine years. Karl-Anthony Towns poured his heart and soul into the Timberwolves, and being without him now will be a stark difference. Replacing him in the starting lineup will be another of the most dominant post players in the league for the last half-decade in Julius Randle.

But Julius will not be the only new player for Minnesota, as Donte DiVincenzo is also slated to suit up for the first time with the Timberwolves. It really seems that Donte has been looked at as almost a "throw-in" piece, but we have to remember that he was the only reason Tim Connelly even began considering the initial trade proposal from the New York Knicks at all, according to sources.

DiVincenzo will be a major fixture in this team's rotation. What exactly his role will be is yet to be determined as Chris Finch figures things out over the course of the remainder of the preseason, but it seems the talented guard already has an idea of how he will be used on this team.

DiVincenzo understands his role will be somewhat fluid

Speaking at an intro press conference on Thursday, Donte answered questions from reporters and gave some thoughts on what his role on this team may end up looking like. After listening to a question from The Athletic's Britt Robson about what preferences he may have on positions, DiVinceno jokingly said that he was hoping to play at the four.

He then clarified that he is flexible to playing at multiple positions. "It doesn't matter. I'm a basketball player," Donte said. "Our team is full of basketball players, so whatever Finch throws out there, I think the IQ of this team, the versatility of this team makes anything possible."

It is smart that DiVincenzo is quick to not put himself in a box when it comes to positions. He absolutely has the skillset to play at multiple spots on the floor, and he can cause matchup problems with his athleticism. As he explains, the Timberwolves' roster is filled with versatility, and there are plenty of ways they can play winning basketball.

"I think that was a big part of why I'm so excited," said DiVincenzo. "You're not in a box of just the one, or just the two. You can play with so many different lineups. Small, big, it doesn't matter and I think that's what's so exciting about this." When it comes to positionless basketball, Minnesota is certainly built to play it at a high level.

If anything, this trade only increased the ways in which this team can beat opponents. It is positively thrilling to hear Donte already be accepting of a somewhat fluid role, and the Timberwolves will only be better because of his attitude.