Jayson Tatum’s comeback from a torn Achilles has become a useful benchmark for the Minnesota Timberwolves as they wait on Donte DiVincenzo.
Tatum tore his Achilles in May and was back in early March, a span of 298 days. That timeline matters because DiVincenzo suffered the same injury in late April and has been trying to follow a similar path.
He had surgery from the same doctor Tatum used, and he had it done the day after the injury, just as Tatum did. That kind of quick turnaround helps move the recovery along.
There still isn’t a firm timetable for DiVincenzo, but earlier in the offseason it was reported that the Wolves are optimistic he can make it back. If his rehab tracks anywhere close to Tatum’s, a return around the All-Star break is not out of the question. For Minnesota, that would be a significant lift for a bench that could use it.
Tatum’s return offered the kind of proof the Wolves are looking for. After coming back, he put up 21.8 points, 10 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game.
That was down from the 26.8 he posted in his last fully healthy season, but he still produced at an All-Star level right away. He played only 16 games after returning, and part of the drop in scoring came from sharing more of the load with Jaylen Brown.
What stood out most was how complete Tatum still looked. His touch, defensive impact and versatility held up, and even with a career-low number of rim attempts, he still attacked with purpose.
He also hurt his calf in the playoffs, so Minnesota will have to watch DiVincenzo carefully if and when he comes back. But Tatum’s recovery makes one thing clear: a player can return from this injury and still help immediately.
That is the appeal for DiVincenzo. Shooting is his calling card, and because his game is built more on skill than burst, he should be able to fit back in quickly. The Wolves will be asking him to knock down spot-up looks and move off the ball.
Even if his percentages dip a little, he will still command respect as a shooter. He also brings defensive playmaking, a high motor and connective passing, the kind of traits that make him a clean fit next to stars. That role should still suit him well.
Minnesota’s bench situation adds to the importance. There is plenty of uncertainty there right now, with Ayo Dosunmu as the only proven reserve player. DiVincenzo would bring some much-needed stability and another high-end complementary piece.
He would likely return as a reserve, but his impact beside the Wolves’ top players could be huge. The 3-point shooting upside in lineups with him, Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball would be difficult for defenses to handle, and that could make Minnesota one of the league’s best shooting teams if it is not already. In the playoffs, that kind of spacing could matter even more, especially against the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.
If DiVincenzo is back late in the regular season and gets time to build back up for the postseason, Minnesota’s outlook changes fast. Add in possible growth from Terrence Shannon Jr. and Joan Beringer, and a bench that looked like a concern could suddenly become a strength.
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