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Former NBA Champion Reveals How Stephen Curry and Draymond Green Convinced Him to Join the Warriors Amid Kevin Durant Rumors: “It Was a Little Stressful for Me”

Published 07/10/2022, 3:45 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The NBA offseason is in full swing. Teams are attempting to bolster their rosters in preparation for a run at the ultimate prize. Stephen Curry and the Warriors are coming off a season in which they cemented their dynasty and hushed the naysayers. They are again returning to the drawing board, seeking to defend their cherished crown.

Year after year, the Warriors’ front office has played a major role in assembling the strongest rosters on the hardwood. They are, yet again, on a quest to accomplish this. Despite the departures of few beloved role players, the Warriors have started to make waves with fresh arrivals. Rumors around the town suggested that Kevin Durant might be making a return to the Warriors. However, Donte DiVincenzo became the most recent addition to their squad.

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The Warriors add a proven two-way player to the squad who’ll be a great addition to the mix. Speaking with the media, DiVincenzo detailed the interaction he had with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green that made him take his talents to the Bay Area.

“With the KD news that breakout, everything was just different for me. You here one thing and the next you’re hearing something else, so it was a little stressful for me,” he said.

I had a good conversation with Steph and Draymond. They saw what I wanted, and it’s a perfect fit,” he added

“Culture, environment. I think for me, when I was at Villanova going back to college and then in Milwaukee especially, just the way things were done, how every day-to-day stuff was. Everything they were saying had already happened to me, so it was a good feeling and kinda familiar feeling with what they were talking about.”

Two NBA All Stars Will Join Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson In A Warriors Dominated List Of Players In The 2022 Season

DiVincenzo seems to have found a new home. What he brings to the Warriors’ table and whether he can fill the massive void left by Gary Payton II is up to him.

Stephen Curry and the Warriors get the perfect Gary Payton II replacement in Donte DiVincenzo

Gary Payton II became a fan favorite last year. The Bay Area was captivated by his hustle, lockdown defense, and outstanding leaping ability. He was instrumental in the Warriors’ championship triumph; however, the Payton-show only lasted a season.

Payton’s heroics last season landed him a three-year, $28 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. He was able to secure his well-deserved payday; however, he left a significant void on the Warriors bench. Hence, it’s fair to assume that the signing of DiVincenzo was to compensate Payton’s loss.

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DiVincenzo may not have Payton’s elite defensive pedigree, but he can provide some resistance on that end of the floor. He has the potential to be a trustworthy 3-and-D weapon for Steve Kerr’s bench. The 6’4″ guard can run the floor, has a high defensive IQ, and has a consistent stroke from beyond the arc.

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DiVincenzo should fit in perfectly with the Warriors. What’s ahead for the franchise, and how will DiVincenzo fare in his new colors? Only time will tell.

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Written by:

Ritvik Malhotra

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Ritvik is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Having completed his Bachelor's in Journalism and Mass Communication from Amity University, Ritvik has finally got his foot in the door as a professional sports writer. He previously interned at another media house where he authored over 150 soccer articles, but he is now writing about his primary obsession, basketball.
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Edited by:

Pritam Priyedarshi