Hoops Habit
Fansided

NBA Draft Combine Doesn’t Matter To These Players

By Ryan Blackburn

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 7
Next
Mar 18, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) looks to pass around Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders forward Reggie Upshaw (30) 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) looks to pass around Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders forward Reggie Upshaw (30) during the first half of the first round in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Denzel Valentine – Everything

What to say about one of the best players in the country that hasn’t already been said?

Well first of all, he’s slow. Sometimes, molasses oozes faster than he plays the game of basketball, but it’s his control of the game that makes him such an interesting player.

Putting up 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists per game showcases his versatile skill set and strength in every facet.

More from NBA

Scouts and GMs may shy away from his combine numbers. His 27.0-inch vertical is subpar, his 3.46-second 3/4-court sprint is alarming, and his 6-foot-5.75 height with shoes creates uneasiness about his ability to play small forward to offset his lack of explosiveness.

People shouldn’t care about his numbers there though. His individual defense is fine, as long as he’s engaged, and his capability to not only play off-ball, but also run the offense from time to time, should make coaches want him on their benches.

His assist rate of 45.8 percent is otherworldly, but if left alone, his three point stroke of 44.4 percent will make defenses pay.

More hoops habit: NBA: 30 Greatest Draft Steals of the Lottery Era

Overall, Denzel Valentine is a player to watch on film and in individual workouts. If the combine numbers are taken too seriously, then he will drop to a championship contender who will help turn him into a star immediately.