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2016 NBA Draft: where are they now?

By Brandon Jefferson

TORONTO, ON - MAY 7: Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) reaches in on Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43). Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers in1st half action of Round 2, Game 5 of NBA playoff play at Scotiabank Arena. Raptors win 125-89 and now lead series 3-2. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 7: Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) reaches in on Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43). Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers in1st half action of Round 2, Game 5 of NBA playoff play at Scotiabank Arena. Raptors win 125-89 and now lead series 3-2. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 23: Denzel Valentine walks off stage after being drafted 14th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 23, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 23: Denzel Valentine walks off stage after being drafted 14th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 23, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

14. Denzel Valentine, Chicago Bulls

The second four-year college player to be taken in the 2016 NBA Draft, Denzel Valentine entered the NBA after having one of the best seasons in the history of Michigan State basketball. Valentine’s leadership and all-around skill led to many considering him as the guard version of Draymond Green. Like Green did during his four years in East Lansing, Valentine grew into a player that was perfect for Tom Izzo’s coaching style and was able to use his talents and intelligence to help make all the players around him better.

The Chicago Bulls had previously taken a highly-touted player out of Michigan State when they drafted Gary Harris 16th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft but Harris would never suit up for the Bulls as he was traded to the Denver Nuggets during the draft. Chicago is lead by Gar Forman and John Paxson who are known to be in favor of drafting older players who have performed well at the collegiate level. The Bulls and Valentine looked like the perfect match on paper.

In his rookie season, Valentine was trying to adjust to the increased speed and athleticism that the NBA provided in comparison to the Big Ten. In college, Valentine played at a very methodical pace but being able to connect from the perimeter forced defenses to respect him away from the basket and he would wait until the defender was out of position and then get a step ahead and find his way to the paint. Not only did he not create that same separation in the pros but his shot from three-point range was not worth being defended as he only attempted 3.6 per game.

Valentine’s second season is where he showed the promise that many thought he had following his storied Spartan career. He averaged 10.2 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 38.6 percent on three-pointers.

However, Valentine would miss all of this past season with an ankle injury. Chicago hopes to have him available to resume basketball activities this summer and will take a wait-and-see approach on whether or not he will continue to be a part of the Bulls plans.

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