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2016 NBA Draft: Top 10 Safest Prospects

By Maxwell Ogden

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 13: Jamal Murray #23 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates during the 82-77 OT win over the Texas A&M Aggies in the Championship Game of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 13: Jamal Murray #23 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates during the 82-77 OT win over the Texas A&M Aggies in the Championship Game of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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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 /

7. Denzel Valentine, Michigan State Spartans

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 22 (11/16/1993)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5.75″, 210 pounds, 6’10.75″
Slash Line: .462/.444/.853
Season Averages: 33.0 MPG, 19.2 PPG, 7.8 APG, 7.5 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 3.4 3PM

There’s a genuine possibility that Denzel Valentine will fall short of his expectations as an overall playmaker. He isn’t an explosive athlete, lacks the secondary and tertiary moves to get by elite defenders, and may not be drafted into the role of a leading ball-handler.

The ultimate failsafe: Valentine is one of the very best shooters in the 2016 NBA Draft.

It’s the least reported aspect of his game, but Valentine made 100-plus 3-point field goals in both 2014-15 and 2015-16. He did so while maintaining a 3-point field goal percentage that was well above 40 percent, thus complementing the superb volume with splendid efficiency.

With 102 3-point field goals made on 41.6 percent shooting as a junior, and 104 on a mark of 44.4 percent as a senior, Valentine has proven to be an absolute marksman.

Valentine’s additional strengths, including his brilliant court vision and uncanny ability to take over on the boards, shouldn’t be dismissed. He has the potential to be an all-around offensive weapon, and should develop into a solid team defender.

If all else fails, however, Valentine can fall back on one of the best jump shots in the country.

Next: Star or Solid

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