Denzel Valentine is a key piece for the Chicago Bulls as they seek to rebuild this season.
As the Chicago Bulls have lost key players during the free agency such as Joakim Noah and E’Twaun Moore, not to mention the trade of Derrick Rose to the Knicks, Denzel Valentine brings light to the end of a dark tunnel.
Versatility. That is the primary description of what the former Michigan State guard can bring to the table. In a press conference, head coach Fred Hoiberg said of Valentine, “He’s a well-rounded, versatile basketball player that I think fits perfectly in how we want to play.”
Last season, Valentine averaged 19.2 points, 7.4 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game. Being at 44 percent in three-point shooting, he has no problems with shooting from downtown. But he can also score in the midrange and in the paint just as well.
The Big 10 player of the year is a dominant offensive force. In the State Farm Championship Classic against Kansas, a game that is the epitome of Valentine’s style, he scored a career-high 29 points, 12 assists, and 12 rebounds, becoming the fourth player in Michigan State history to record a triple-double.
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However, the guard does have weaknesses in his defensive play. His numbers in blocks and steals for last season (which are both very low) were among the lowest of his collegiate career. That is something that he will have to improve to be a great all-around player in the NBA.
In a Big Ten basketball feature on Valentine titled The Journey, Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo says of Valentine, “I’ve had a lot of great players. I’ve had a lot of great leaders. I’ve had some great rebounders and some great, great players. But, he’s all-in-one. Denzel’s a mini version of Draymond [Green].”
That versatility that those two players share contributes to their overall toughness, which was more apparent in Draymond Green last season. From summer workouts to giving good advice, Valentine looks up to Green as a brother and mentor in the league.
Well, if Valentine is anything like Green in the NBA, the Chicago Bulls are at an advantage. With so many rosters changes, including the additions of Robin Lopez, Jerian Grant and Jose Calderon from the Knicks, Valentine adds to that toughness and grit that the Bulls need in order to adjust to the new changes.
His offensive efficiency will significantly aid the Bulls and hopefully bring them out of that offensive slump (ranking 22nd in shooting percentage). Being the third best team in rebounding, Valentine’s impressive rebounding numbers will make the Bulls’ rebounding even better.
Love the Denzel Valentine pick for Chi. He can just PLAY. Tough leader. Will prove more valuable than several picked above him.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 24, 2016
Although defense is not Valentine’s strong suit, his rebounding can improve his defense for the team. The Bulls have lost a player who was very aggressive and dominant near the rim in Joakim Noah. With Valentine’s quickness in scoring points in the paint and his relentless rebounding skills, the Bulls can definitely play off of that defense to fill that void.
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Overall, the addition of Denzel Valentine is a winning situation for this new Chicago Bulls team. They have a lot to work with in his style of play, and he will be a great mix with the team’s leader, Jimmy Butler.