Timberwolves quietly count on young players to prevent Donte Divincenzo problem

As the NBA season approaches, it is clear that the Minnesota Timberwolves will lean more in their talent. With Terrence Shannon Jr., Rob Dillingham and Jaylen Clark all ready for raised roles. Many have discussed how this will help the wolves to replace Nickeil Alexander-Walker and to hide from an aging Mike Conley.

However, an insufficient advantage of unleash these young players, especially Dillingham and Shannon, is how the Donte Divincenzo will enable his ideal role to play. Last season the Wolves were forced to use Divincenzo as a main initiator. A role that did not optimize his skills and caused some problems for the wolves.

Dillingham can take these responsibilities specifically from Divincenzo, so that he can play in the off-ball role that fits with his strengths. Shannon is a solid maker of improving the spelling, so that he could also reduce the load of Divincenzo. Nevertheless, these second -year players must prove that they are able to handle these raised tasks on the ball, or Divincenzo will unfortunately be reused in more of a point guard role.

Divincenzo thrives in an off-ball role, but is not ideal in a role in the ball

Divincenzo had a solid campaign in his first season with the Wolves. He on average 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists on 42.2/39.7/77.8 Shooting splits. However, his 13.8 turnover percentage is a bit high. Moreover, Divincenzo lacks the creation options that are needed to be a leading guard. Only 22.8 percent of his field goals were not supported. He also cannot generate a peripheral pressure at a high speed, on average only 1.7 shots on the edge.

Anyway, Divincenzo is an elite spot-up shooter that thrives in an off-ball role. Divincenzo shot 39.7 percent from outside last season. The year before with the New York Knicks, Divincenzo had a career season, an average of 15.5 points and breaking the KNICKS franchise record for 3-POINTERS in one season. This shows how effective Divincenzo can be in an off-ball role. The wolves must use Divincenzo in a similar role to maximize its impact.

The wolves count on Dillingham and Shannon to develop

Nevertheless, Dillingham and Shannon have to be ready for big minutes for big minutes. Both players are capable Schotmakers, who can take Divincenzo’s pressure. In particular, despite low minutes, Shannon’s 1.8 shots surpassed the average of Divincenzo on the edge per match, and Dillingham was not far behind 1.3 shots on the edge.

Dillingham is equipped on 6-foot-1 to be a leading guard. Dillingham can make shots for himself at a rapid pace and thrive in generating rim pressure. He is also a dynamic ball handler and versatile playmaker. With Conley who turns 38 before the start of the season, Dillingham has to play an important role in the rotation of the wolves. His combination of shot creation and playmakers should benefit the wolves.

Yet there is some concern about whether Dillingham can stand defensively in view of his small framework. Moreover, some ask themselves whether the decision -making of the Kentucky product will be a problem. He is undeniably a gifted passer, but he also takes a lot of risks and is a turnover.

At the age of 25, Shannon has been proven and experienced more than Dillingham. However, he is more a wing than a traditional leading guard.

Shannon is a competent shot with a lot of athletics. He will probably not be a leading guard, but can take on a good amount of ball treatment and shot creation tasks. Moreover, Shannon showed improved playmakers during the Summer League, which could benefit him and the wolves. Shannon’s size, shot creation and athletics make him an exciting fit on the defense half next to Anthony Edwards.

In the end, the season of the wolves is in many ways associated with the development of these young players, especially given the need for more ball treatment and shot creation. In the unfortunate event that Dillingham and/or Shannon cannot agree on a greater role, the lack of ball trade of the wolves next to Edwards will be completely visible.