The Milwaukee Bucks will need Donte DiVincenzo to continue his development this season, but just how big of a step forward can he take?
Donte DiVincenzo is more motivated than ever as he enters his third season with the Milwaukee Bucks.
These past few months have been turbulent for the 23-year-old, as he was nearly traded to the Sacramento Kings in a sign-and-trade for Bogdan Bogdanovic following his lackluster showing in the NBA’s restart. However, the deal fell through soon after, and Milwaukee recently gave the guard a bode of confidence by picking up his fourth-year option for the 2021-22 season on Wednesday.
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With all of those factors taken into account, DiVincenzo is rightfully motivated to bounce back in his third season with the team, especially as he slides into the starting lineup. The guard taking another positive step in his development will be key for him, and there is a sense of optimism.
In a recent survey conducted among staff writers at The Atheltic ($$),DiVincenzo was mentioned among several categories this coming season. Although he was not the top nominee, DiVincenzo received votes for this season’s Most Improved Player and who is being pegged to be this year’s breakout player.
Playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday may take some of the spotlight off of DiVincenzo. Still, with a spot in the starting lineup, he will be a key contributor this season, nevertheless. That level of talent beside him should elevate his game, and if so, he could be poised for a big year.
Donte DiVincenzo improved considerably between his first two seasons, and if he could do the same in year three, he could indeed have a breakout season.
During his rookie campaign, DiVincenzo played in just 27 games, having averaged 4.9 points on .403/.265/.750 shooting splits, 2.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.5 steals in 15.2 minutes per game. A lingering heel injury kept the promising wing out for a majority of the season, including the entirety of the team’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals, which positioned him for a comeback in year two.
Fully recovered, DiVincenzo made an immediate impact in his sophomore season and quickly became a set piece in Mike Budenholzer’s rotation. In 66 games, which included 24 starts, DiVincenzo averaged 9.2 points on a .455/.336/.733 slash line, 4.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in 23 minutes per contest.
The progression from his rookie to sophomore season was impressive from DiVincenzo, and now, many believe that he can take a similar leap during the 2020-21 season. If so, it would be a substantial boost for the Bucks and their title chances.
While DiVincenzo has asserted himself as a stud on the defensive end, the biggest area that he can improve is the offensive end, particularly his shooting from behind the arc. Over his first two seasons, DiVincenzo is just a 31.8 percent shooter on 3.5 attempts per game, something that has hindered the 3-point reliant Milwaukee Bucks.
DiVincenzo understands the severity of improving his shooting from long-range as he detailed during his media availability how his teammates continue encouraging him to shoot:
"“For me, it’s just confidence. It’s literally just a confidence thing… The guys on the team, they want me to shoot the ball if I’m open, so getting past that mental block in my head if you miss one or two just let it fly on the third one or make the right play, just don’t force it.”"
The guard did not appear to be forcing it in Milwaukee’s season-opening loss against the Boston Celtics, where he shot 3-for-4 from 3-point territory. That one miss from DiVincenzo came on a 55-foot heave to end the half, and his other three triples were noteworthy as he rattled off a terrific start to the night.
Shooting from distance remains the biggest X-factor in Donte DiVincenzo’s game, and if he can bump his percentage up a few ticks, he could be a game-changer this season.