Former first round pick of the Chicago Bulls in the 2016 NBA Draft, 6-foot-4 shooting guard Denzel Valentine, had a busy offseason it looks like so far.
In a recent interview with Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times earlier this week, Chicago Bulls 26-year-old shooting guard Denzel Valentine opened up on some of his off-the-court interest and where he is at during this point of the 2020 offseason. More specifically, he shared his experience with releasing his album “517 Made Me”.
It dug deep into Valentine’s experience within his personal life, and his hip hop album that is releasing soon. He apparently had a busy offseason in his personal life up to this point, and it’s good to see him taking on some creative projects away from the game of basketball.
Here’s more on what Valentine had to say on this release and where he’s at heading into the month of October this offseason.
"During the uncertainty that came with the 2020 offseason, Valentine said it was essential to hit the ground running in his first summer without rehab or major surgery.Regardless of what the future holds for Valentine and his career in Chicago, the 26-year-old is thankful he started here. He said this city shaped who he is as a player and an artist.“Music has definitely allowed me to express how I feel,” Valentine said. “As an artist, I want people to see a side of me that nobody really gets to see. As an athlete, I want everyone to see I’m a hardworking player who deserves to play in the NBA.”"
Valentine did mention that he was “thankful he started here” (in Chicago) and that is true “regardless of what the future holds” for him. As one of the guards coming up on restricted free agency this offseason, the Bulls might try to free up a roster spot and let go of Valentine.
Other key free agent guards for the Bulls this offseason include point guard Kris Dunn and combo guard Shaquille Harrison. Dunn and Harrison seem much more likely to return for the Bulls heading into the 2020-21 season than Valentine. But it’s hard to tell where the thought process will be at for the new look front office regime and recently hired head coach Billy Donovan.
Valentine played in 36 games during the shortened 2019-20 regular season for the Bulls (five of which he started in). He averaged 6.8 points per game, 2.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.2 blocks. Valentine shot 40.9 percent from the field, 33.6 percent from beyond the arc, and 75.0 percent from the free-throw line.
The former Michigan State Spartan and first round pick of the Bulls in the 2016 NBA Draft definitely had a rocky run since entering the league. But if he doesn’t return in the Windy City next season, he does deserve a shot elsewhere in the NBA.