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2016 NBA Mock Draft: Every Team’s Ideal Fit

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Providence Friars guard Kris Dunn (3) celebrates with Providence Friars forward Ben Bentil (0) after a play against the USC Trojans during the second half at PNC Arena. The Friars wins 70-69. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Providence Friars guard Kris Dunn (3) celebrates with Providence Friars forward Ben Bentil (0) after a play against the USC Trojans during the second half at PNC Arena. The Friars wins 70-69. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 18, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) motions while guarded by Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders forward Perrin Buford (2) during the first half of the first round in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) motions while guarded by Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders forward Perrin Buford (2) during the first half of the first round in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

16. Boston Celtics (via Mavericks): Denzel Valentine, Michigan State Spartans

Position: Guard/Forward

Age: 22 (11/16/1993)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5.5″, 223 pounds, 6’9.5″

Slash Line: .464/.447/.853

Season Averages: 32.8 MPG, 19.4 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 7.6 APG, 1.0 SPG, 3.4 3PM

The Boston Celtics have an All-Star point guard in Isaiah Thomas and a respected 3-and-D shooting guard in Avery Bradley. With all due respect to those two players, one can’t help but wonder how far Boston can go with a backcourt that features a 5’9″ point guard and a 6’2″ shooting guard.

Adding the 6’6″ Denzel Valentine to the mix could be the perfect move for Brad Stevens’ offensive attack.

Bradley and Thomas are far more than just effective, but having a player with Valentine’s size and versatility would transform the offense. Valentine struggles to consistently create penetration against NBA-caliber athletes, but he’s a phenomenal shooter and a brilliant facilitator.

Valentine could essentially fill the same role as Evan Turner, but with a significantly better jump shot and superior court vision.

While Turner has made 103 3-point field goals on 28.8 percent shooting since 2013-14, Valentine converted 104 on 44.4 percent shooting in 31 games alone in 2015-16. Stats only tell so much of the story, but Valentine essentially does everything that Turner does offensively with a dramatically better jump shot.

If Stevens can help Valentine develop into the quality defender that Turner has become, Boston would make a significant improvement along the perimeter with this pick.

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