As the Knicks wait to make their big offseason moves official — namely the blockbuster Mikal Bridges trade — Donte DiVincenzo focused on the culture and coach the Knicks already have in place to carry them through any changes.
“Whatever team we have, I think we’re going to be very good,” DiVincenzo said. “No matter what happens the rest of the offseason, I think overall everybody is going to come back and get better. I think with [Tom Thibodeau] there’s always a foundation, it doesn’t matter who is on the court. No matter who is on the team, I think we got a sense and we got a taste of what we can do and how we can take that next step. And I think every single person in the organization is going to do everything they can to take that next step.”
DiVincenzo spoke to reporters Monday in Soho at a meet-and-greet as part of his sponsorship with Revo Sunglasses, a company whose CEO, Cliff Robinson, is a longtime Knicks fan and season-ticket holder.
DiVincenzo also arranged for proceeds of the sales to be donated to the Yonkers Animal Shelter, a cause the Knicks guard has attached himself to as an advocate for rescue dogs.
As far as his role on the basketball court, a change is certainly possible for DiVincenzo after the acquisition of Bridges, his former teammate at Villanova who plays a similar position.
DiVincenzo thrived as a starter last season at shooting guard — setting the franchise record for 3-pointers — but he’d move back to the bench if the projected lineup of Jalen Brunson-Bridges-OG Anunoby-Julius Randle-Mitchell Robinson becomes a reality.
DiVincenzo couldn’t talk about the trade because it’s not yet official and said it’s too early to speculate on his role next season.
“Free agency started two days ago, training camp is in three months,” DiVincenzo said. “So I think you can ask me that again in training camp.”
Another big move for the Knicks was a subtraction, with Isaiah Hartenstein leaving in free agency after getting a three-year, $87 million haul from the OKC Thunder.
The starting center hole is expected to be filled by Robinson, whose rise as an All-Defense candidate early last season has been overlooked because of the frequent games missed for injuries.
“I think he hears the outside noise with everything and I think he’s going to use that as motivation,” DiVincenzo said.
DiVincenzo had expressed desire to play for the Italian national team during the Olympics this summer but said “timing-wise” it didn’t work out.
He maintains the goal of representing Italy in the future.
“That’s a dream of mine,” he said.
DiVincenzo’s otherwise been “enjoying the time off” as a recent first-time father.
Just a year ago, he was the Knicks big free-agent signing with a four-year, $47 million deal.
It was the biggest contract of his career and he quickly outplayed it while emerging as New York’s No. 2 scoring threat after Randle’s injury.
Now he’s watching the astronomical deals being signed by his NBA brethren — Anunoby got more than $200 million, for instance — and said he feels excitement, not jealousy.
“You have to appreciate the situation we’re in as players. Everybody is happy for each other. Everybody wants to see everybody get paid,” DiVincenzo said. “I think every time you see somebody sign a new deal, it brings up memories of how you felt when you signed your deal.”
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