Why Timberwolves benched Mike Conley for Donte DiVincenzo as starting point guard

The Minnesota Timberwolves want to win the NBA title this season.

To do so, they felt a change to their starting lineup was necessary.

NBA insider Chris Haynes reports that Mike Conley will no longer be the starting point guard. Conley goes to the bench in favor of the new starter, Donte DiVincenzo.

Minnesota opens its season on Wednesday night at the Portland Trail Blazers. And when the opening tip goes up, it'll be DiVincenzo in the game, not Conley.

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Why did the Timberwolves bench Mike Conley for Donte DiVincenzo?

It's all about the final goal for the Timberwolves.

In the Western Conference, there's little margin for error. Teams need to get their lineups right and make the correct decisions.

That's especially true for the Wolves, who have a bit of an oddly tall roster construction but one that could still get to the Finals if Anthony Edwards reaches his ceiling.

They needed to get the point guard spot right, though.

"Conley, 38, is still a reliable game manager, but he has lost several steps and played just 25 minutes per game last season," ESPN's Zach Kram wrote earlier this week. "Donte DiVincenzo would be a more dynamic fit in the Timberwolves' starting lineup -- especially if they feel comfortable giving Edwards more control of the offense as his ascent continues."

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ESPN's Jamal Collier added his thoughts on this earlier in the week, too: "If the Wolves have a weakness, it's at point guard. Mike Conley is still a solid veteran, but he didn't have it during certain games in the playoffs last season. But Minnesota doesn't have many options behind him. Edwards' playmaking isn't his strongest trait, and the rest of their potential playmakers lack experience."

DiVincenzo made 10 starts last season. In those games, he averaged 14.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists.

He's been a starter at other points in his career, and while not the most natural point guard, a backcourt combination of DiVincenzo and Edwards will likely be a tough one for opposing teams to handle.

The Timberwolves have decided to roll with it and see how it goes.

Haynes reports Conley will still be "a vital piece," but he's no longer the starter.

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