Timberwolves are realizing the difference between Ayo Dosunmu and Donte DiVincenzo

The Minnesota Timberwolves buying and selling for Ayo Dosunmu always seemed like a great movegiven their want for further guard depth and their all-around ability set. However, it is honest to say that Ayo has exceeded expectations.

Ayo has began to emerge in March, averaging 14.1 factors, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 54.4/45.7/86.7 taking pictures splits. And in the previous three video games with out Anthony Edwards, Ayo is averaging 19.7 factors — this exhibits that he is capable of scaling up if want be. His mix of ending, 3-point taking pictures, connective playmaking, velocity, and protection has made him one in all the Wolves’ most impactful gamers.

In some methods, Donte DiVincenzo is an identical participant to Ayo — at the very least, they play comparable roles. However, it is rapidly turning into clear that Ayo brings a couple of issues to the desk that Donte would not, most notably further ending and self-creation juice. While Ayo can scale up, DiVincenzo thrives off enjoying alongside different nice gamers.

During the Wolves’ previous three video games with out Edwards, DiVincenzo is averaging 7.3 factors, 4 assists, and 2.7 rebounds, whereas netting simply 25 % of his exterior pictures. DiVincenzo continues to be a helpful and impactful participant, however his recreation would not lend itself to taking up a much bigger position in the offense as Ayo’s does.

Ayo Dosunmu’s ability set provides the Timberwolves a unique factor

The Big Ragu virtually completely scores off 3-pointers, which account for 76.3 % of his area aim makes an attempt. Just 10.7 % of DiVincenzo’s pictures come at the rim, and he makes an underwhelming 58.4 % of those pictures.

Conversely, 28.6 % of Ayo’s pictures come at the rim, and he makes 66.7 % of those pictures. Dosunmu provides the Timberwolves a rim-pressing guard that they’ve lacked for the previous two and a half seasons. Likewise, he’s serving to them play at a sooner tempo and get out in transition extra.

This goes hand in hand with Dosunmu’s superior shot-creation chops. He is a real three-level scorer able to creating for himself and recognizing up. Whereas DiVincenzo is an elite motion shooter. Notably, Ayo ranks in the 73rd percentile factors per isolation possessions per NBA.com, and Donte ranks in the 4th percentile for this stat.

Similarly, whereas each gamers are nice connective playmakers, Dosunmu is best suited to tackle lead playmaking duties when wanted.

On the different aspect of the ball, DiVincenzo makes an influence together with his hustle and defensive playmaking. Still, Ayo is a greater point-of-attack stopper and total defender.

I do not need any of this to be a slight in opposition to DiVincenzo; he’s nonetheless a improbable position participant. Plus, not like some Wolves followers, I feel he ought to stay in the beginning lineup for continuity functions as soon as Ant returns. Regardless, there is not any denying that Dosunmu gives the Timberwolves a few elements that DiVincenzo lacks.