Donte DiVincenzo’s best path back could be lined up next to LaMelo Ball.
The Minnesota Timberwolves still believe DiVincenzo will make it back to the floor at some point during the upcoming season, but there’s no certainty after the torn Achilles that ended his year. He suffered the non-contact injury on April 25, barely more than a minute into Game 4 of the opening round of the playoffs against the Denver Nuggets.
If DiVincenzo does return, the fit with Ball is obvious. A high-volume 3-point shooter like “The Big Ragu” should get cleaner looks playing next to a true point guard, something he didn’t consistently enjoy last season.
That matters because DiVincenzo was already doing serious damage from deep. He hit 190 catch-and-shoot 3-pointers last season, third-most in the league behind only Kon Knueppel and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and he knocked those down at a 38.3 percent clip.
Ball’s presence could make that even more dangerous. Knueppel was Ball’s teammate last season, and the Charlotte Hornets ranked third in the league with 11.6 catch-and-shoot makes from beyond the arc per game.
They also finished third in accuracy, hitting 39.2 percent of those attempts. Minnesota, even with DiVincenzo’s volume, sat below the middle of the pack in both catch-and-shoot 3-point makes and attempts.
The reason is pretty straightforward: the Timberwolves didn’t have a lead guard who could consistently create open long-range chances for shooters. Ball changes that equation.
There’s still a catch, though. Because the injury came so late in the season, it’s even less certain that DiVincenzo will be ready in 2026-27.
If he does get back, he’ll need time to work his way into game shape, and that could affect his athleticism. The shot, though, should still be there.
The Timberwolves also made it clear all offseason that they have no intention of trading DiVincenzo. He remains a valued piece in the locker room and on the court. If he returns this season or even next, assuming he re-signs in free agency, Ball could be the perfect player to bring out the best in his game.
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