As the NBA season concludes and the playoffs loom, attention turns to standout players, among whom Donte DiVincenzo shines brightly. Initially signed by the Knicks for depth, DiVincenzo, also known as “The Big Ragú,” far exceeded expectations.
His connections with teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart contributed to his seamless integration into the team, which played a significant role in the Knicks’ success.
DiVincenzo transitioned from a bench player to a key starter as the season progressed. His increased responsibility became evident when the Knicks made a major move on December 30th by trading RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley for OG Anunoby, leaving a vacancy in the starting lineup that DiVincenzo filled admirably. Despite a loss to the Pacers on the day of the trade, DiVincenzo’s standout performance demonstrated his potential.
With the turn of the new year, the Knicks hit their stride, maintaining momentum even after Julius Randle’s season-ending injury in late January. The team’s resilience, exemplified by DiVincenzo’s consistent performance, contributed to a remarkable run, posting a 14-2 record and climbing the Eastern Conference standings. Despite setbacks, the team’s robust mentality kept them competitive.
From January 18th onward, DiVincenzo consistently scored in double digits, ending the season with an average of 15.5 points per game—a significant jump from his career average of 10.5 points. His successful integration into the Knicks was facilitated by his previous collegiate connections and a coaching style by Tom Thibodeau that matched his defensive intensity. DiVincenzo’s reliability was underscored by his participation in 81 of the season’s 82 games, starting the last 63.
Transformed into a model 3-and-D player, DiVincenzo excelled defensively and increased his scoring, particularly from beyond the arc. His defensive efforts were pivotal in creating scoring opportunities for the Knicks, and his shooting prowess from three-point range was notable, hitting over 40% and setting new team records for three-pointers in both a single game and the entire season. His impact this season not only underlined his critical role but also marked him as a key player for the Knicks moving forward.
