Denzel Valentine is Ready to Help the Bulls Right Away
By Ben Rains
Denzel Valentine will be a good player in the NBA. His fit with the Bulls has potential to be great right away.
Denzel Valentine’s arrival in Chicago seemed more likely before the departure of Derrick Rose.
Before dealing Rose to the New York Knicks, it seemed like a lock that the Bulls would select a point guard.
Instead, they landed the player of the year in college basketball last season.
Valentine would be ready to play tomorrow for the Bulls.
The 22-year-old guard is a winner who did everything for the Spartans during his four years in East Lansing.
His senior season was incredible, despite MSU’s shocking first-round upset in the NCAA Tournament.
He improved every season in college, expanding his game to become an all-around offensive star. Valentine should be able to fit perfectly into Fred Hoiberg’s offense next season.
Valentine: "My shooting % got better. I got more comfortable playing ball screens. When you're NBA ready, you can contribute right away."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 24, 2016
He’s able to push the pace and plays extremely well in transition; whether making an outlet pass or scoring himself.
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Most importantly, the ball does not stick in his hands in the half-court. He makes quick decisions, creating his own shot or making a play for a teammate. Whether playing with the starters or the second unit, expect him to quickly make the right play.
The lottery is often loaded with young guys with great upside. Valentine is a rare senior.
But, who says his ceiling isn’t much higher? Most players don’t even hit their prime until around 27.
Valentine has a winning attitude. He will play hard every night. The confident 6’5″, 220-pound guard was ecstatic to hear his name called for Chicago.
"I'm just so glad I'm going to the #Bulls."
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) June 24, 2016
That hat looks pretty good on you, @denzelvalentine.https://t.co/5wblrbVdkB
A big knock is his inability to defend. He’s a proverbial turnstile at times. This doesn’t help the Bulls, as they had trouble guarding anyone last year.
But, with a 6’10” wingspan, on top of posting the fourth-best lane agility time at the NBA Draft Combine, he has all the tools needed to become a decent NBA defender.
He averaged nearly 20 points, eight assists and seven rebounds last season. He shot 46 percent from the field, and more impressively, 44 percent from three-point range.
Next: Bulls take Denzel Valentine with 14th overall pick in draft
Valentine is not the most explosive player. There are concerns about his knees. He might not be able to defend at a high level.
But he has the intangibles, confidence and work ethic the Bulls need.
Valentine will be making his Bulls’ debut in the Las Vegas Summer League in a few weeks. He will also be a part of USA Basketball’s Select Team, alongside Doug McDermott.
Bulls fans, get excited for Valentine.
Even if the results are not there right away, take solace in the fact that he will try to make the right play every time while giving his all.