The NBA offseason is in full swing. Teams are attempting to bolster their rosters in preparation for a run at the ultimate prize. Stephen Curry and the Warriors are coming off a season in which they cemented their dynasty and hushed the naysayers. They are again returning to the drawing board, seeking to defend their cherished crown.
Year after year, the Warriors’ front office has played a major role in assembling the strongest rosters on the hardwood. They are, yet again, on a quest to accomplish this. Despite the departures of few beloved role players, the Warriors have started to make waves with fresh arrivals. Rumors around the town suggested that Kevin Durant might be making a return to the Warriors. However, Donte DiVincenzo became the most recent addition to their squad.
Officially official. #DubNation, join us in welcoming Donte DiVincenzo 👋 pic.twitter.com/sqQqIS1upF
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) July 8, 2022
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The Warriors add a proven two-way player to the squad who’ll be a great addition to the mix. Speaking with the media, DiVincenzo detailed the interaction he had with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green that made him take his talents to the Bay Area.
“With the KD news that breakout, everything was just different for me. You here one thing and the next you’re hearing something else, so it was a little stressful for me,” he said.
?I had a good conversation with Steph and Draymond. They saw what I wanted, and it?s a perfect fit,? he added
?Culture, environment. I think for me, when I was at Villanova going back to college and then in Milwaukee especially, just the way things were done, how every day-to-day stuff was. Everything they were saying had already happened to me, so it was a good feeling and kinda familiar feeling with what they were talking about.?
DiVincenzo seems to have found a new home. What he brings to the Warriors’ table and whether he can fill the massive void left by Gary Payton II is up to him.
Stephen Curry and the Warriors get the perfect Gary Payton II replacement in Donte DiVincenzo
Gary Payton II became a fan favorite last year. The Bay Area was captivated by his hustle, lockdown defense, and outstanding leaping ability. He was instrumental in the Warriors’ championship triumph; however, the Payton-show only lasted a season.
Gary Payton II has agreed to a three-year, $28M deal with the Blazers, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/S6Q07itsf4
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 1, 2022
Payton’s heroics last season landed him a three-year, $28 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. He was able to secure his well-deserved payday; however, he left a significant void on the Warriors bench. Hence, it’s fair to assume that the signing of DiVincenzo was to compensate Payton’s loss.
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DiVincenzo may not have Payton’s elite defensive pedigree, but he can provide some resistance on that end of the floor. He has the potential to be a trustworthy 3-and-D weapon for Steve Kerr’s bench. The 6’4″ guard can run the floor, has a high defensive IQ, and has a consistent stroke from beyond the arc.
👀 Donte DiVincenzo's top plays from the 2021-22 season 💥 pic.twitter.com/QXugSqybTh
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) July 8, 2022
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DiVincenzo should fit in perfectly with the Warriors. What’s ahead for the franchise, and how will DiVincenzo fare in his new colors? Only time will tell.