Hoops Habit
Fansided

Chicago Bulls: Denzel Valentine seeking breakout season in Year 2

By James D. Tillman III

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 25: Denzel Valentine #45 of the Chicago Bulls poses for a portrait during the 2017-18 NBA Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 25: Denzel Valentine #45 of the Chicago Bulls poses for a portrait during the 2017-18 NBA Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Chicago Bulls guard/forward Denzel Valentine hopes to become a rotational player following a somewhat disappointing rookie season.

The Chicago Bulls selected Denzel Valentine with the No. 14 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. Coming off a senior campaign that saw him post averages of 19.2 points, 7.8 assists and 7.5 rebounds per contest, Valentine appeared to be the game-changer the Bulls were looking for after missing the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons.

Unfortunately, Valentine’s rookie season didn’t go the way he and the Bulls had hoped. He sustained multiple ankle injuries, including one that forced him to miss all of training camp last year, which kind of set the tone for a season that featured its fair share of ups and downs.

"“I think it was up and down, really inconsistent,” Valentine told the Daily Herald. “That’s what was going on with my health too. Coming in, being hurt [sprained ankle], getting back healthy, then getting hurt again, it kind of affected my playing. My biggest thing this year is can I stay healthy all year? With that, I think I’ll be able to get confident as the year goes on.”"

When it was all said and done, Valentine played in just 57 games and averaged 5.1 points and 2.6 rebounds per game on shooting splits of .354/.351/.778. On the heels of a rookie campaign that did not live up to expectations, Valentine is hoping to have a breakout season in Year 2.

This feat may prove to be a difficult one in a training camp filled with competition at multiple positions. Going into the 2016-17 campaign, all of the starting spots were predetermined, with the exception of the power forward position.

This year, however, the only player who has been assured a spot in the starting lineup is Robin Lopez, which makes sense considering he is the only true veteran on this new-look Bulls roster. Having said that, does Valentine possess the talent level to elevate his game to the next level and possibly crack the starting lineup?

The answer to this question is absolutely.

While Valentine failed to solidify a spot in the rotation during his first NBA season, there were instances in which he showed glimpses of potential. For example, he played his best basketball during the month of March.

During that stretch of 15 games, Valentine compiled averages of 7.7 points and 4.7 rebounds while playing nearly 25 minutes per contest. Furthermore, he reached double figures six times and converted 37 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc.

It is also worth noting that Valentine put up those numbers while playing behind the trio of Jimmy Butler, Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo. Now that all of three of those players will be suiting up for other teams this season, so Valentine will certainly have opportunities to improve upon a somewhat underwhelming rookie season.

"“There’s definitely opportunity knocking on the door,” Valentine told CSN Chicago. “I just put in the back of my mind that no matter happens, I’m going to stay me, put in the work. Since the trade happened and more opportunity is here, I have to grow up a little faster now. I’m spending more time in the gym, spending more time watching film, taking it more serious with my body.”"

Next: Top 10 candidates for 2017-18 NBA MVP Award

As long as Valentine continues to keep things simple and makes good on his desire to become an effective defender at multiple positions, he should see more playing time, which will lead to increased production — regardless of whether he cracks the starting lineup or continues to come off the bench.

Home/Chicago Bulls