New 76ers recruit Paul George really empathizes with Donte DiVincenzo after he experienced a breakout season with the Knicks and then got traded.
Of course, it’s the nature of the business, and that’s just how things go in the NBA, but it must be painful.
Donte had an impressive season in 2023-24 for the Knicks, achieving career-highs in points (15.5) and field goal shooting (40.1 percent).
He even set the franchise’s single-game 3PM record (11) and played a significant role in the team’s success throughout the season.
DiVincenzo was also playing alongside his Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, as well as PG-13, before being traded to the Timberwolves in a major Karl-Anthony Towns trade.
PG-13 believes Donte has every reason to be upset about it.
“He must be feeling emotional. When you consider it, bro, Jalen Brunson was outstanding in last year’s playoffs, but DiVincenzo made a name for himself in New York,” the Sixers forward shared on the latest episode of his self-titled Podcast – Podcast P With Paul George.
“They built a reputation. And that’s a challenging place to play, that’s a tough spot to be a star in. But they rose to the occasion. So, I understand there was some emotional frustration about being traded from there. You are with your friends, you find a home, you find a role, and you are playing for one of those gritty coaches. Everything lined up for DiVincenzo to be playing in New York. So, I know there must be some resentment towards that trade on his part. Going there, there must be anger and extra motivation to take down the Knicks.”
So far, DiVincenzo has been performing decently in Minnesota, averaging 11.7 points, two rebounds, 2.3 assists, and one steal per game on 33.3 percent shooting from the field and 28 percent shooting from three-point range.
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