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Redrafting the 2016 NBA Draft class

By Simon Shortt

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses for a group photo on stage with draft prospects before the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses for a group photo on stage with draft prospects before the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine (45) celebrates on the court against the Washington Wizards in the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine (45) celebrates on the court against the Washington Wizards in the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

20. Brooklyn Nets

Original Pick: Caris LeVert
New Pick: Denzel Valentine

Having played much of the year with an eclectic group in the back court, taking a chance on Denzel Valentine might be a smart move by the Brooklyn Nets. Valentine was a jack of all trades at Michigan State, averaging 19.2 points, 7.8 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game as a senior. Having yet to find his niche in the NBA, he could do multiple things for this Nets team that needs a lot help all over.

Valentine would have the opportunity to play on and off the ball next to different guards with different skill sets. As the team continues to add pieces and develop, Valentine has the versatility to adjust. Offensively he could become a solid playmaker as a good passer, and his length could make up for his lack of quickness against point guards. Or he could become a wing player thanks to his shooting, as he made over 200 three-pointers and hit 43 percent of those shots in his final two years in college.

His question marks are athletically and on the defensive end, but if he’s never explosive enough to hang with guys on the wing, he could always use his size against smaller guards. At 6’6″ and close to 215 pounds, he is big enough to defend either guard position, and with his basketball IQ he can develop into a good “team defender.” Valentine’s versatility would make him a good constant to have on this roster.