Donte DiVincenzo is still adjusting to Stephen Curry’s majesty.
DiVincenzo, who is 25 years old, inked a two-year, $9.2 million contract with the Golden State Warriors during the offseason.
While promoting “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II,” DiVincenzo told Insider that his “Welcome to Golden State” moment occurred during a scrimmage.
DiVincenzo recalls Curry bringing the ball up, using a half-court screen, and then launching and nailing a three-point shot from just inside half-court.
“What blew my head was that nobody reacted in the gym,” DiVincenzo stated. “Thinking that was routine, and I’m like, ‘What the hell?’ And no one responded. Everyone simply turned around and jogged down the opposite end. So, I believe it was my introduction to the Golden State, as in, “Curry is going to do these things.”
Donte DiVincenzo.
Photographer: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
Since joining the Warriors, Curry has astounded DiVincenzo, both as a player and a leader. DiVincenzo, who played for the Milwaukee Bucks for the first three and a half years of his career, compared Curry to Giannis Antetokounmpo.
DiVincenzo stated, “[Curry’s] work ethic is incredible, and when I was in Milwaukee, Giannis’ work ethic was also insane.” “There is no ‘Since I won MVP, things have slowed down’ clause. Since I signed a maximum contract, things have slowed down.” They attend the gym on a daily basis.
“And I think with Steph doing that, it sets a precedence in the locker room and for the players when they come onto the court, that nothing is easy when we step onto the court. Therefore, exert great effort, and you will observe the consequences. And he is, in fact, a wonderful example for all of us.”
After observing the Warriors up close, DiVincenzo has grown to admire them. DiVincenzo was dealt from the Bucks to the Kings at the trade deadline last season. He joined the Warriors in part to return to a culture of winning. Everyone, from the stars to the coaches to the training staff, has made him feel welcome, he said, and while everyone works hard, they also have a great time.
Even though I’ve only been here for a few months, it feels like I’ve been here for a year.
Again, DiVincenzo attributed this culture to the impact of Curry.
DiVincenzo stated, “This is not a ‘Me’ thing; it’s a ‘We’ thing.” “Even celebrities, such as Steph Curry, are among the most selfless individuals I’ve ever known. When you have this information from your leaders and everything is already defined, it’s easy to prepare because you’re simply trying to be the greatest person you can be while fitting within the larger concept and aim that they have for winning games.”