Denzel Valentine prepping for bigger role in year 2 with Chicago Bulls

James L. Edwards III
Lansing State Journal
Former Michigan State star, Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine made an appearance at the Moneyball Pro-Am Tuesday, July 25, 2017 in Dimondale.

DIMONDALE — If there's one thing former Michigan State star Denzel Valentine took away from his rookie season in the NBA, it's that professional basketball is a business, first and foremost.

"It's 'What can you do for me now?' That's what it's grown to," Valentine said following an appearance at the Moneyball Pro-Am in Dimondale on Tuesday night. "It is what it is. There's so many good players out there, trades being made, deals being done, so you pretty much have to be consistent. That's what it takes to be a great player, that's what it takes to be an NBA player."

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The Chicago Bulls guard spent most of his rookie season playing behind proven veterans, scratching and clawing for an opportunity to prove to the franchise that it made the right decision with the 14th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.

Valentine has spent this offseason working toward becoming a focal point in Chicago's new youth movement, which was set in motion when the franchise traded away star guard Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves earlier this summer.

As Valentine prepares for his second season, becoming a consistent force is his focus. He knows that's what it'll take for him to remain a part of the Bulls' future plans.

"I just want to see growth and consistency," he said. "I just want to prove to myself and everyone in the organization that I belong in Chicago, that they made the right choice.

"I'm not going to have a great game every night. As far as the ups and down, less of those and, you know, just trying to get better every game, maybe be a starter and impact player in the league."

In 57 games as a rookie, the 6-foot-6 swingman played 17 minutes per game and averaged 5.1 points and 1.1 assists. He shot just north of 35 percent from the field and beyond the arc.

The NBA was a big adjustment for Valentine. Not only was he playing against the world's best players, he found himself in a new role, too.

At MSU, Valentine was a primary ball-handler whose greatest gift was giving. He established himself as one of the country's best passers by the time he left East Lansing. In Chicago, Valentine has played primarily off the ball. He was asked to be a spot-up shooter.

At the end of last season, when the Bulls suffered injuries at the point guard position, Valentine said he talked to coaches about taking on a role as a playmaker. Nothing ever came of it, he said.

He's hoping that changes in this year.

"I like making plays," Valentine said. "I'm not just a catch-and-shoot-3 guy. I just liking making plays for other people and getting myself into the game that way.

"Hopefully I get the ball in my hands this year."

Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.