As the Knicks wait to officially announce their big offseason moves, particularly the blockbuster trade for Mikal Bridges, Donte DiVincenzo is focusing on the culture and coaches the Knicks already have in place to help them navigate any changes.
“I think whoever the team is, it’s going to be a very good team,” DiVincenzo said. “No matter what happens the rest of the offseason, I think overall we’re going to be better with everybody coming back. [Tom Thibodeau] “It doesn’t matter who’s on the court, the fundamentals are always there. I think we got a feel and a taste of what we can do and how to take the next step, regardless of who’s on the team. And I think every single person in the organization is going to do their best to take that next step.”
DiVincenzo spoke to reporters at a press conference in SoHo on Monday as part of an endorsement deal with Rebo Sunglasses, whose CEO, Cliff Robinson, is a longtime Knicks fan and season-ticket holder.
DiVincenzo also arranged for proceeds from the sale to be donated to the Yonkers Animal Shelter, an effort the Knicks guard has been involved in as an advocate for rescue dogs.
As for his role on the basketball court, that could certainly be a change for DiVincenzo with the addition of Bridges, his former Villanova teammate who plays a similar position.
DiVincenzo flourished as the starter at shooting guard last season and set the franchise record for 3-pointers made, but he could find himself back on the bench if the projected lineup of Jalen Brunson, Bridges, OG Anunoby, Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson plays out.
DiVincenzo said he couldn’t discuss the trade because it’s not yet official and that it’s too early to speculate about his role next season.
“Free agency started two days ago and training camp is three months away,” DiVincenzo said. “So I guess you could ask me again at training camp.”
The other big move for the Knicks was attrition, with Isaiah Hartenstein leaving the team in free agency after receiving a three-year, $87 million contract from the OKC Thunder.
Robinson is expected to fill the void at center, but while he was an All-Defensive candidate early last season, he flew under the radar due to frequent missed games due to injury.
“I think he’s listening to the outside world in every way and I think he’s going to use that as motivation,” DiVincenzo said.
DiVincenzo said he had expressed a desire to play for the Italian national team during the Olympics this summer but that it just didn’t work out “timing-wise.”
He still has the goal of playing for Italy in the future.
“That’s my dream,” he said.
DiVincenzo recently became a father for the first time and is otherwise “enjoying his time off.”
Just a year ago, he signed as a big time free agent with the Knicks on a four-year, $47 million contract.
It was the biggest contract of his career, but he quickly outperformed it and emerged as New York’s second leading scorer after Randle’s injury.
He said he now looks at the astronomical contracts his peers in the NBA are signing – Anunoby, for example, makes more than $200 million – and feels excitement, not jealousy.
“As players, you have to understand the situation we’re in. Everybody’s happy for each other. Everybody wants everybody to get paid,” DiVincenzo said. “I think every time I see somebody sign a new contract, it reminds me of how I felt when I signed my own contract.”
