Chicago Bulls: 5 Biggest Storylines For 2016-17 Season

1. How Will Bulls Utilize Denzel Valentine?

For the second straight season, the Bulls selected a player in the draft that was coming off a successful collegiate season. Last year, it was Bobby Portis, who averaged 17.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per contest during his sophomore year at Arkansas. Along with that, Portis was named SEC Player of the Year.

In the 2016 draft, the Bulls struck gold again, taking Valentine with the 14th overall pick. Not only did Valentine post impressive averages of 19.2 points, 7.8 assists and 7.5 rebounds per outing, he was also named AP Player of the Year.

Being that Valentine has potential as a scorer, rebounder and playmaker, the question here is, how will Fred Hoiberg utilize the rookie’s talents? At 6’5″, Valentine could be used as the backup point guard behind Rajon Rondo, which would give the Bulls a little size at the position.

Additionally, Valentine could play off the ball behind Dwyane Wade or even the at the 3-spot behind Jimmy Butler. Obviously, he will be competing for floor time with the likes of Jerian Grant Doug McDermott and even Tony Snell.

But if the rookie can build on the success he had during the Summer League tournament, Hoiberg could have some interesting decisions to make as the season progresses.