Donte DiVincenzo was an important part of the Golden State Warriors rotation last season. However, the all-action guard headed to the Eastern Conference this summer and joined the New York Knicks. As such, the Warriors looking for one of their younger guards to step up and take DiVincenzo’s place.
When speaking to the media in a recent press conference, Steve Kerr discussed the loss of DiVincenzo before noting the rotation spot is up for grabs. Kerr mentioned rookie Brandin Podziemski and third-year guard Moses Moody as potential candidates for the open spot.
“We’re gonna miss Donte,” Kerr said. “But, that’s an open spot for somebody to step into. Maybe it’s Brandin. Maybe it’s Moses. Maybe it’s someone else, I don’t know. But, we do have to replace what Donte gave us.”
Podziemski may struggle to fulfill DiVincenzo’s role in the opening stages of the season. Rookies often take time to acclimate to the NBA and begin producing at a high level. Moody, however, is likely ready to step into a bigger role for his team and could instantly bring an energy boost off the bench.
The Warriors may boast an aging, veteran roster, but they have some high-level young talent waiting for a chance to stake a claim for a spot in the rotation. DiVincenzo’s exit provides that chance.
Podziemski and Moody will find themselves in a roster battle, with the winner earning some important playing time to begin the new season. Of course, the battle will rage all season, and the initial winner will still need to keep proving they deserve their spot.
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