Calling for calm on Gary Payton II, plus Warriors’ potential replacements

Donte DiVincenzo to the Golden State Warriors

If Moody doesn’t elevate to the standard many expect, then the Warriors have another effective option they’ve acquired through free agency.

Outside of the key re-signing of Kevon Looney, Golden State’s big offseason move, at least to this point, has been the addition of 2021 NBA champion Donte DiVincenzo.

After an injury-riddled twelve months, DiVincenzo joins the NBA champions on what appears like an incredibly valuable deal should he return near his best.

The 25-year-old is an ideal replacement to fill the hole left by Payton. Again, like Moody, he’s not going to be a defensive weapon, but at 6’4″ with a solid frame and good athleticism, DiVincenzo projects as someone who the Warriors can plug into their playoff rotation.

He was a starter for the Bucks during 2020-21, averaging a solid 10.4 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 37.9% from three. He shot 38.1% on 3.7 catch-and-shoot three-point attempts per game, displaying the kind of perimeter threat that should thrive within the Warriors’ offense.

He had a slow start post-injury in Milwaukee, before being traded to Sacramento mid-season. He played better with more opportunities at the Kings, shooting 42.2% on catch-and-shoot threes across 25 games.

Make no mistake, DiVincenzo will play alongside Moody in the Warriors’ second unit. But he’s also another option that Kerr could use in closing lineups, a role Payton played at stages when the team went small.

Although the Warriors may hope that one of their younger players steps into the role, it’s foreseeable that we may see plenty of Curry-Thompson-DiVincenzo-Wiggins-Green closing lineups.

Not bad for a less than $5 million consolation in the aftermath of Payton’s disappointing exit.