Although the New York Knicks hit the jackpot by acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns last October, they were forced to part ways with a reliable ex-Golden State Warriors sharpshooter.
The Knicks could reunite Jalen Brunson with his valuable ex-professional and collegiate teammate in the future.
“In an exclusive interview with Anthony Rivardo of Empire Sports Media, (Donte) DiVincenzo said that he is still in touch with his former Villanova teammates, and he reminisced on his time with the Knicks last season,” Empire Sports Media’s Dylan Backer wrote Wednesday.
“We had an opportunity last year to play together, and it was absolutely amazing,” DiVincenzo said. “Mikal (Bridges) did not get to experience that, and now he is experiencing it. From that standpoint, it was a lot of fun. I miss those guys every day.”
“But I’m happy here in Minnesota (Timberwolves), I love it here. I’m having a hell of a year, I’m feeling good, my family’s good, and I still talk to those dudes every single day.”
“There is no guarantee that DiVincenzo will be able to reunite with his former Villanova teammates again, but considering that they still have a close bond, perhaps it is something that will come to fruition down the road.”
Before inking a four-year deal with the Knicks in 2023, DiVincenzo spent one eventful season with the Warriors.
DiVincenzo was among the Dubs’ top long-range threats during the 2022-23 campaign as a polished catch-and-shoot three-point sniper.
The Villanova product averaged 9.4 points per contest on 43.5% from the field and 39.7% from deep on a Warriors squad that reached the Western Conference semifinals.
After falling to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games, DiVincenzo declined his player option with Golden State and signed with the Knicks.
Unsurprisingly, the former first-round pick continued his hot streak from three-point land, averaging 15.5 points per game on 44.3% from the field and 40.1% from downtown in 81 regular season games with New York.
Despite pouring in 17.8 points per contest and connecting on 42.5% of his triples during the playoffs, the Knicks were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in the second round.
Many believed New York would run it back with the same roster, but the organization felt compelled to include DiVincenzo in a blockbuster Oct. 2 deal for Towns, a game-changing 7-foot ex-Timberwolves center.
While DiVincenzo has sometimes struggled with Minnesota, he’s played well enough for the Timberwolves to keep him around for now.
Still, with the two-time NCAA champion enjoying his short stint with Brunson and the Knicks, it’s essential to keep the door open for a potential reunion in the future.
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