Chicago Bulls: What to expect from Denzel Valentine in 2017-18
The Chicago Bulls are moving forward in a new direction, so what will that mean for Denzel Valentine in 2017-18?
Remember last offseason when the Chicago Bulls front office said it wanted the team to go younger and more athletic?
A year later, that is exactly what it is doing.
Well, at least when it comes to the younger part.
Yes, the youth movement in Chicago is in full swing, headlined by the Jimmy Butler draft night trade. While former head coach Tom Thibodeau and the Minnesota Timberwolves scooped up Butler, the Bulls acquired 22-year-old Zach LaVine and 23-year-old Kris Dunn.
The organization also drafted 20-year-old Lauri Markkanen that night, a potential replacement for Nikola Mirotic, followed by later signing former Los Angeles Laker, 25-year-old David Nwaba.
Which, of course, leaves the likes of Cristiano Felício (also 25) and Paul Zipser (23), as well as Denzel Valentine, who will be 24 in November.
Now, Valentine may not have had the most spectacular of rookie seasons, averaging just 5.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists a game in 17.1 minutes of play. However the potential is there. And you better believe he is ready to make the most of his sophomore year.
"“I just want to see growth and consistency,” Valentine told the Lansing State Journal‘s James L. Edwards III. “I just want to prove to myself and everyone in the organization that I belong in Chicago, that they made the right choice. I’m not going to have a great game every night. As far as the ups and down, less of those and, you know, just trying to get better every game, maybe be a starter and impact player in the league.”"
Clearly, the young buck is growing to understand just how important consistency really is.
"“There’s so many good players out there, trades being made, deals being done, so you pretty much have to be consistent. That’s what it takes to be a great player, that’s what it takes to be an NBA player.”"
With Chicago’s newly revamped roster, Valentine will undoubtedly get more of a chance to prove himself come 2017-18. The good news is his confidence has not wavered.
"“I’m pretty confident,” the 6-foot-6 swingman explained to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune. “I work hard in the gym every day, so I know what I am. Just depending on what team you’re on and who you have on your team, what role you play in … [playmaking] wasn’t my role last year. But I think the opportunity is going to come.”"
Valentine has already made the most of his summer, too.
In five NBA Summer League games, the second-year wing averaged 13.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 32.8 minutes per game. He also scored 21 points against the Philadelphia 76ers.
But his impressive offseason did not stop there.
Recently, the Michigan State University graduate found himself showing out at the MoneyBall Pro-Am league.
Ooh-wee those dunks were something.
So what can fans expect from Valentine this upcoming season?
For starters, more minutes. Butler, Michael Carter-Williams and Rajon Rondo are gone. Dwyane Wade will likely receive a buyout. LaVine is still recovering from an ACL tear. Nwaba and Justin Holiday will need time to adjust to the new system.
Playing time is Valentine’s for the taking.
Additionally, though increased shooting efficiency should also be at the top of his list, Valentine has been working on better ball-handling, which, in turn, leads to becoming a playmaker as well, and not just a shooter.
Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far
The Chicago Bulls’ 2017-18 roster may have a whole new look, but do not expect Denzel Valentine’s hard work and determination to let up any time soon.