Particle.news
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
2d ago

Timberwolves Elevate Donte DiVincenzo to Starting Point Guard, Move Mike Conley to Bench

Minnesota is rebalancing spacing with veteran workload to fine‑tune its rotation for a title push.

Image
Oct 9, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte Divincenzo and guard Anthony Edwards (5) talk during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Image
Image

Overview

  • NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Donte DiVincenzo will start the 2025–26 opener in Portland, with Mike Conley shifting to a bench role.
  • Team decision-makers are seeking a more dynamic, spacing-friendly backcourt next to Anthony Edwards as part of a win-now lineup optimization.
  • Conley remains a valued reserve; at 38 he posted a career-low 24.7 minutes per game last season with 8.2 points and 4.5 assists.
  • DiVincenzo offers shooting and shot creation, and in 10 starts last season he averaged 14.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists.
  • Minnesota previously tried this configuration in January before a toe injury sidelined DiVincenzo; small-sample data showed the lineup with him had a +4.6 net rating in 213 minutes versus +3.2 in 714 with Conley.