The Golden State Warriors and their fanbase both seemed disappointed when the organization failed to counter the offer on Gary Payton II, who had become a fan favorite, which was made by the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Blazers gave Payton II a three-year deal which seemed to be the part Golden State was against matching. The Dubs went out and then added former Milwaukee Bucks first-round pick Donte DiVincenzo.
The Warriors lost Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr. in free agency, but they did add Donte DiVincenzo which was dubbed the “most underrated” move.
Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz wrote on the top ten most underrated moves of the offseason, and the Dubs signing DiVincenzo sat atop the list. Here is a portion of what Swartz wrote on the matter.
"“DiVincenzo should thrive as a floor-spacer alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Jordan Poole, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green, feeding off wide-open looks with defenses focusing on so many other weapons. He’s also a willing passer and pesky defender who should parlay his time in Golden State into a bigger payday next summer, much like we saw from Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr. this offseason,” Swartz said."
Swartz is spot on and continued on why DiVincenzo is a good fit. While the Warriors are going to undoubtedly lose a good chunk of defensive intensity, they will no longer have to hide a player offensively.
While Payton II did have his moments and was largely efficient on that end of the court, he didn’t do much to aid the offense, especially when it came to spacing the court.
Losing what he added in terms of matching up well with Memphis and then Boston will stinge, but DiVincenzo will be able to keep a similar level of defensive intensity while bringing a more competent three-point shooter.
DiVincenzo stands 6-foot-4 and averaged 9 points per game last season, averaging double figures the year prior. He has a 35% career three-point average as well which is one thing the Warriors should thoroughly enjoy.
Golden State has a good chunk of potential on this roster and added back what they lost in free agency. The goal is that those that replaced what was lost, DiVincenzo and JaMychal Green, help the Dubs not miss a beat moving forward.