NBA Mock Draft 2016: New Year's Resolutions

NBA Mock Draft 2016: New Year’s Resolutions

Dec 25, 2015; Honolulu, HI, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) flashes a "shaka" sign after the game against the Harvard Crimson at the Stan Sheriff Center. Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Harvard Crimson 83-71. Hield was named MVP of the tournament. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 22, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA;Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) before the game against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

17. Denzel Valentine, Michigan State Spartans

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 22

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’6″, 220 pounds, 6’10”

Slash Line: .456/.400/.851

Season Averages: 30.6 MPG, 18.5 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 7.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 3.0 3PM

New Year’s Resolution: Get Well Soon

Denzel Valentine of the Michigan State Spartans was emerging as the runaway favorite for National Player of the Year before going down with an injury that required arthroscopic knee surgery. He was also developing into a potential lottery pick.

Due to the prominence of knee injuries in the NBA, Valentine receives a precautionary drop to No. 17.

It’s worth noting that, for as well as he’s played, there’s a very small sample size of Valentine being in the first round discussion. He’s long been a high-caliber player, but it’s only recently that his production reached its current heights.

Injured or otherwise, the appeal remains. Not only has he been scoring, rebounding and facilitating statistically, but he’s proven himself as a primary ball-handler, post-up playmaker, and slashing scorer who uses his creativity to beat defenders with an athletic advantage.

Coupled with an outstanding jump shot, Valentine is one of the most riveting prospects in the 2016 NBA Draft.

Next: Just Stay Healthy