4. Denzel Valentine
It would feel wrong to write a Valentine’s Day piece and not talk about the one and only Denzel Valentine, so here goes nothing.
Roses are red
Violets are blue
Please come back, Denzel
I miss you.
Maybe poetry isn’t my thing. Let’s just forget about that and move on.
The Bulls could really use Denzel back in the rotation. He’s missed every game so far this season due to an ankle injury and isn’t likely to return to regular-season action until next season.
Valentine is a flawed player, but he’s useful in short bursts off the bench. He can knock down triples, rebound the ball and make plays for others.
Before getting injured, Denzel was a major part of the Bulls’ rotation. Last season, Valentine averaged 10.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. Obviously, those aren’t staggering numbers, but they make an impact.
It’s tough to know what role Valentine will be given after his eventual return. Unless you’re a bona fide starter, missing a full season can be hard to recover from.
Whatever ends up happening, we love you, Denzel Valentine. Happy Valentine’s Day.