Orlando Magic: 3 cheap options to boost team’s scoring
By Luke Duffy
1. Denzel Valentine
If getting into a potentially complicated trade with the Houston Rockets is too much to ask, then Denzel Valentine represents the player who could be the next reclamation project. Ever since being drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 2016 with the 14th overall pick, injury and a failure to get consistent playing time have hampered his development.
There have been flashes, but Valentine has become the forgotten man as the Bulls have moved on, with Zach LaVine and Coby White blocking his path to a bigger role. This despite other potential key pieces such as Lauri Markkanen (now injured) and Wendell Carter Jr. (also injured) yet to take over the team either.
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Valentine is averaging only 12 minutes per contest and has only appeared in 28 games. Yet when he is given more run, like he was recently in their game win the Sacramento Kings, Valentine is capable of putting up some points. He had 16 points in 19 minutes and he is shooting 37.4 percent from deep this season (right in line with his career average).
https://twitter.com/denzelvalentine/status/1223077791509381120
So even though Valentine’s court time is never guaranteed and fluctuates, he is consistent in how he shoots the ball. He is already 26 and would have no problem coming off the bench for the Orlando Magic, because it would give him a defined role, something to build on. He could then provide some scoring, both with Ross or in his place if he is struggling.
It wouldn’t cost a lot to acquire him from the Bulls either. Valentine’s rookie deal is expiring at the end of this season, but he is not in a position to command a large sum on his next deal. If a pair of second-rounders was able to get the deal done, or even better just one of them, then this is something the Magic should absolutely look into.
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Valentine is in the position Ben McLemore once found himself in and it would not cost a team looking to shake things up like the Magic a lot to find out if his potential could be unlocked elsewhere. His ability to create his own shot would be another aspect of what adding him to their bench could bring for the rest of the season.