The Minnesota Timberwolves buying and selling for Ayo Dosunmu always seemed like a great move, given their want for additional guard depth and his all-around talent set. However, it is truthful to say that Ayo has exceeded expectations.
Ayo has began to surge in March, averaging 14.1 factors, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 54.4/45.7/86.7 capturing 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 capturing, 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. Nevertheless, it is rapidly changing into clear that Ayo brings just a few issues to the desk that Donte does not, most notably additional ending and self-creation juice. While Ayo can scale up, DiVincenzo thrives off taking part in 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 p.c of his outdoors photographs. DiVincenzo continues to be a precious and impactful participant, however his recreation does not lend itself to taking up an even bigger position in the offense as Ayo’s does.
Ayo Dosunmu’s talent set offers the Timberwolves a distinct aspect
The Big Ragu virtually completely scores off 3-pointers, which account for 76.3 p.c of his discipline purpose makes an attempt. Just 10.7 p.c of DiVincenzo’s photographs come at the rim, and he makes an underwhelming 58.4 p.c of those photographs.
Conversely, 28.6 p.c of Ayo’s photographs come at the rim, and he makes 66.7 p.c of those photographs. Dosunmu offers the Timberwolves a rim-pressuring guard that they’ve lacked for the previous two and a half seasons. Likewise, he’s serving to them play at a quicker 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 healthier suited to tackle lead playmaking duties when wanted.
On the different aspect of the ball, DiVincenzo makes an impression along 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 incredible position participant. Plus, in contrast to 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.
