Chicago Bulls: 5 Bold Predictions For 2016-17 Season

Jul 18, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Chicago Bulls players hold up the NBA Summer League championship trophy over head coach Pete Myers as he is interviewed after the Bulls defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in overtime, 84-82 at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jul 10, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine drives with the ball during an NBA Summer League game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Thomas & Mack Center. Chicago won the game 83-70. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Denzel Valentine Will Finish In The Top 10 Of 2016 Rookie Class

Shortly after sending Derrick Rose to the Knicks, the Bulls selected Denzel Valentine with the 14th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft.

During his senior season at Michigan State, Valentine posted averages of 19.2 points, 7.8 assists and 7.5 rebounds on shooting splits of .462/.441/.853.

While his Summer League numbers weren’t quite as impressive (11.6 points , 6.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per contest on 35 percent shooting) there are a few reasons for Bulls fans to be excited about this pick.

For starters, Valentine’s scoring numbers increased every season during his four years at MSU. Secondly, he has proven that he can be effective around the basket as well as the perimeter.

Oh yeah. By the way, he isn’t afraid to take the big shot either.

Whether it is hitting a game-winner against Ohio State on Valentine’s Day ….

Or helping the Bulls win this year’s Summer League championship ….

Valentine has proven that he has ice in his veins.

And being that his scoring and assists numbers are nearly identical to Ben Simmons (19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists per contest) — who was the top overall pick in the draft — there’s no reason to believe why Valentine doesn’t have a chance to finish in the top 10 of this year’s rookie class.

Next: Dwyane Wade Will Be A Solid Addition

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