NBA Draft 2016: 5 players the Utah Jazz need to target

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Mar 13, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) is guarded by Purdue Boilermakers guard P.J. Thompson (3) during the Big Ten conference tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Michigan State defeats Purdue 66-62. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Denzel Valentine, G, Michigan State

Heading into his senior season, Denzel Valentine knew he needed a big year if he wanted to be considered a legitimate NBA prospect. Despite being named an All-Conference player his junior year, Valentine was going to have to play on another level in his final collegiate season, and he delivered. All he did was go out and nearly average a triple-double, while cementing himself as a first round talent.

Possessing the size and timing to be an impact guard in the NBA, Valentine has the skill set to jump right in from day one and contribute big minutes. A well-rounded player, he has one of the higher basketball IQs in this draft and is the kind of scorer the Jazz most definitely need. He is a first option kind of player, who can fill it up from anywhere.

Last season, Valentine shot 44% from the three-point line, as he was named the Associated Press Player of the Year. He has said he considers himself “a basketball player”, and not just someone who plays a certain position. With the ability to handle the ball, work well off the ball, and shoot, he certainly has the kind of game that equates to the NBA game.

On the Jazz, Valentine would instantly give them the kind of scorer they will need if they wish to be a serious contender in a loaded Western Conference. They are still a few players away, but Valentine would definitely be a step in the right direction.

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