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NBA Mock Draft 2016: Pro Comparisons for Top 30 Prospects

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 16, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) and guard Grayson Allen (3) celebrate a basket in their game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) and guard Grayson Allen (3) celebrate a basket in their game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 23, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) calls a play during the second half of a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) calls a play during the second half of a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

19. Denzel Valentine, Michigan State Spartans

Ultimate Upside Comparison: Tyreke Evans

Safe Upside Comparison: Lance Stephenson

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 22

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

Slash Line: .466/.438/.839

Season Averages: 32.3 MPG, 19.0 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 6.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 3.4 3PM

Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans produced one of the NBA’s most valuable and versatile players: Draymond Green. In turn, many are wondering if Izzo has found his latest diamond in the rough in the form of senior shooting guard Denzel Valentine.

Valentine may not be the most explosive of athletes, but he’s as complete a player as you’ll come across in the NBA Draft.

Valentine is a walking triple-double threat, which is a fair enough explanation of how well-rounded his abilities have become. He can space the floor with borderline elite efficiency, attack and finish in isolation, facilitate the offense, and control the boards.

Valentine plays a similar game to the 2013-14 version of then Indiana Pacers wing Lance Stephenson.

Like Stephenson, Valentine can contribute in every phase of the game. He also has a tendency to play out of control, pushing the pace to the point of being in danger of committing costly turnovers and rushing his looks at the basket.

If Valentine manages to play with more control and improve his lateral quickness, he could surpass Stephenson and make strides towards NBA stardom. In other words, he can be Tyreke Evans with a jump shot.

Next: The Injury Concern

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