Chicago Bulls: 3 draft targets that could replace Denzel Valentine
2) Chicago Bulls draft targets to replace Valentine
When the Bulls picked Valentine with the 14th selection in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft out of the Michigan State hoops program, they knew they were getting a solidified older prospect in that class. But the Bulls invested their lone lottery pick of the 2016 draft to get a shooting guard/wing that was older and looked to have a set ceiling.
What made matters worse with Valentine was the fact that he dealt with a plethora of injury issues during the early years of his NBA career as his rookie contract played out.
The Bulls do have the opportunity to get a cheaper option to play at the two guard, or more ideally on the wing, with a second round pick in the 2020 draft come the night of Nov. 18. Another upperclassmen that could be a solid option for the Bulls to replace Valentine on the roster heading into next season is the former Syracuse Orange 6-foot-5 and 215 pound junior forward Elijah Hughes.
There are a lot of similarities on the surface of what the Bulls could get out of either Nwora or Hughes if they’re available in the 44th slot in the second round. But where Hughes could hold an edge over Nwora to replace Valentine in the Bulls rotation is with his gifted two-way ability and elevated physical tools.
During the shortened 2019-20 regular season, the former East Carolina Pirates transfer Hughes played in 32 games with the Orange (all of which he started in). And he earned his first career All-ACC honors in the process. Last season, Hughes averaged 19.0 points per game, 4.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.8 blocks.
And Hughes shot 42.7 percent from the field, 34.2 percent from beyond the arc, and 81.3 percent from the free-throw line.
Hughes is a pretty potent two-way wing if he can improve his shooting ability at the next level. That will be the big question mark with him since his defensive ability continued to get better and better during his two years at Syracuse.