Just hours before their first game of the season, the Minnesota Timberwolves changed their starting lineup, replacing Mike Conley with Donte DiVincenzo. Given that Conley had shown signs of decline and this trend was likely to continue in his age-38 season, this move was largely popular among Wolves fans. Still, there's always some level of risk when tweaking your starting lineup, and the timing of this change was interesting.
21 games into the season, though, Donte has been fantastic in his new role as a starter. DiVincenzo is averaging 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on 42.1/39.2/83.7 shooting splits. He provides some extra shot creation and shooting juice to the Timberwolves' starting five.
On the flip side, Conley is averaging a career low 19.5 minutes, 5.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 39.8/41/92.6 shooting splits. With all due respect to Conley, it now looks like a no-brainer decision to start Donte. However, let us not forget that this was a real debate two months ago.
DiVincenzo has been a perfect addition to the Wolves' starting five
Per Cleaning the Glass, DiVincenzo's plus-14.7 is the best on/off swing on the team. Likewise, this number ranks in the 94th percentile for all players. The Wolves' starting lineup has an impressive plus-14.3 via Cleaning the Glass.
With DiVincenzo, the Wolves operate with a point guard by committee approach. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle are the primary initiators. DiVincenzo mainly operates as an off-ball threat, but he occasionally handles the ball.
Could the Wolves use another playmaker? Absolutely. However, there's no denying that this starting group is effective together and that DiVincenzo is a big reason why. DiVincenzo is one of the best off-ball shooters in the league. Per NBA.com, he ranks in the 92nd percentile on spot-up plays, and he is shooting 41 percent from 3-point land.
Having this dynamic off-ball threat opens up the Wolves' offense. There's some clear synergy between the two former New York Knicks teammates, as DiVincenzo is the most assisted player by Randle. This duo ranks in the 94th percentile for efficiency differential per Cleaning the Glass.
DiVincenzo's elite shooting makes him a seamless fit in any lineup. His shooting and all-around scoring have given the Wolves a nice boost.
While DiVincenzo's main value is offense, his defense isn't half bad either. Yes, he's not a two-way star by any means. Regardless, DiVincenzo has great size, quickness, and activity. Notably, he averages 1.5 stocks and ranks in the 73rd percentile for deflections per 100 possessions per Databallr. Undoubtedly, DiVincenzo's defense is an upgrade over Conley given his lack of size.
Overall, while Wolves fans aren't satisfied with a 13-8 start to the season, DiVincenzo has been a clear positive for the team so far.