Chicago Bulls 2017-18 player preview: Denzel Valentine

Previewing the Chicago Bulls 2017-2018 roster, player by player. Today we’ll be previewing Denzel Valentine.

After a lackluster rookie season, second-year shooting guard Denzel Valentine looks to improve in the upcoming season. However as the Chicago Bulls enter rebuild mode this season, one of the biggest beneficiaries of the rebuild could be Valentine.

Last season

It may not be completely fair to ridicule Valentine’s rookie season because he didn’t have much playing time at all. According to statistics gathered by ESPN, Valentine averaged a measly 17.1 minutes per game which isn’t much at all. Unfortunately, in the time he was given he wasn’t terribly effective on the court either.

Throughout the 2016-2017 season, Valentine averaged 5.1 points per game. However, Valentine was capable of averaging more. Had Valentine shot more efficiently from the field, he could’ve been much more productive for Chicago.

Shooting charts show that Valentine was cold from mid range. However Valentine picked up the slack from beyond the arc. Valentine was only making 55% of his shots in the paint which needs to improve.

Given his height, Valentine should be more effective that close to the rim. In total, Valentine shot .354 from the field. Although he struggled from the field, Valentine managed to shoot .351 from beyond the arc.

Here is Valentine’s shot chart from last season, via vorped.com

Valentine already has a smooth stroke from three, but if he can improve his mid range game, he can become far more lethal. However, from three Valentine is pretty consistent shooting 57.7% from the left baseline, however he’s pretty inconsistent everywhere else. If Valentine doesn’t become more consistent it’ll be easy for opposing defenses to guard him from three.

Based on his play at Michigan State where he average around 19 points per game his senior year, and a little less than eight assists and rebounds a game, wee know Valentine is capable of producing better. Although Valentine was the 14th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft, he didn’t impress anyone his rookie season. However, the kid still has a lot of potential and skill. Valentine should be primed to show his development this season.

What to expect

The biggest expectation is that Valentine should get more playing time this season. Last season, Valentine primarily played garbage minutes. This season he’s expected to get more meaningful minutes.

As it stands, veteran Dwyane Wade remains on the roster and would play ahead of Valentine. However, a buyout between Wade and the Bulls seems inevitable. The departure of Wade would open up plenty of playing time for Valentine.

Going forward, it will be assumed that the Bulls will be without Wade at some point this season. Depending on the health of Zach LaVine, Valentine may actual start off the season in the starting lineup.

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However, once LaVine is healthy expect Valentine to play as LaVine’s backup. Given his height, Valentine will most likely get minutes at the three as well. Being a more essential asset to the team this season, Valentine will be expected to contribute much more in all aspects of his game.

Room for improvement

Given his shooting woes last season, look for Valentine to become more efficient from the field this year. Not only that, but Valentine will most likely become more productive in all aspects of his game.

Valentine needs to become more productive for Chicago spreading the ball and on the boards this season. At Michigan State Valentine displayed very optimistic play-making ability. Look for Valentine to channel these abilities again this season.

Defensively, Valentine absolutely must improve. Valentine looked average at best on defense last year and if that hasn’t been addressed Valentine will most likely loose playing time.

The rebuild has blessed Valentine with a prime opportunity to play and show his development. However, if Valentine squanders this opportunity he very well may force Chicago into making him expendable.

Next: What to expect from Paul Zipser next season

Assuming Valentine takes a step in the right direction, the former Big Ten player of the year does have much potential and is expected to be a large asset for the Bulls rebuild and future. Look for Valentine to improve from his rookie season.