Memphis Grizzlies Draft Prospects: Denzel Valentine
Looking ahead to the NBA Draft later this month, the Memphis Grizzlies could benefit from the addition of Michigan State’s versatile Denzel Valentine.
First-team All-American Denzel Valentine did just about everything last year for Michigan State. He was their go-to scorer, one of their best rebounders, their best facilitator and sometimes their point guard.
The lazy comparison for Denzel Valentine is Draymond Green, a fellow Spartan who does just about everything.
While that lofty comparison may not exactly pan out, there is no question that Denzel Valentine can have a similar impact to do-it-all wings such as Danny Green, Evan Turner, and Jae Crowder.
Some mock drafts having Denzel Valentine off the board at the 17th pick; however, there are sites that have him still on the board. If he is available, should the Memphis Grizzlies pick Valentine over a “high upside” player?
There are no doubts of Denzel Valentine making a solid contribution in the NBA. His senior year statistics scream future star: 19.7 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game, 7.8 assists per game, and 44 percent from 3 (on 7.5 attempts per game).
Denzel Valentine’s offensive game is there. He can push the ball up the court off a defensive rebound, similar to Draymond Green. He can spot up on the wing for the three ball. He can run an offense.
The questions surrounding him, and also hindering his draft stock, circulate around his defense and his age. Denzel Valentine doesn’t have Brandon Ingram’s length or Ben Simmons’ speed.
Because of his lack of a true position, who will he guard in the NBA? He’s too slow for point guards and some shooting guards. He doesn’t have the size to cover most small forwards or power forwards.
With Denzel Valentine turning 23 years old by the start of next season, there are questions about his potential already being maxed out. Was his senior year just a fluke or him finding his stride?
His age will make general managers decide whether to take him or a 19- or 20-year-old with a similar skill set but a higher ceiling.
Denzel Valentine’s age should not scare anyone. There have been plenty of four-year college players who have significantly contributed at the NBA level:
If drafted by the right team, Denzel Valentine has the tools to succeed in similar light (with the exception of Tim Duncan who will arguably go down as the best power forward to ever play basketball). The Memphis Grizzlies can be that exact situation for Denzel Valentine to thrive.
With an All-Defensive player such as Tony Allen on the roster, David Fizdale can hide Valentine on the opposing team’s “weaker” wing.
If free agents Mike Conley, Matt Barnes, and Lance Stephenson are brought back, their perimeter defense will be even stronger which puts less pressure on Valentine on the defensive end.
If free agents Mike Conley and Lance Stephenson return to Memphis, Valentine won’t have playmaking pressures, as both of these players served as the Grizzlies’ primary playmakers last season. In doing so, he can either bring the ball up a few possessions or spot up on the wing.
Denzel Valentine’s shooting touch is the main reason the Grizzlies should salivate, if he’s available at the 17th pick. His shooting ability spreads the floor out for Conley to get into the paint and for big men Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph to operate in the post.
The Grizzlies have been shooting-deprived for the past several years. Adding a young sharpshooter should have Grizzlies fan rejoicing, as they will have Denzel Valentine and Jordan Adams on the wings in the future.
David Fizdale should be able to find a way to put Valentine in position to succeed on the court. It would not be surprising to see him being used similarly to young Miami wings Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson, sharpshooting perimeter players who can facilitate an offense when needed.
Best-Case scenario:
Denzel Valentine turns into one of the biggest steals of the draft. His all-around explosion during his senior year somewhat translates to the NBA, and he becomes every coach’s dream player.
He may not be an All-Star, but he will be a key component for a title-contending team, a less athletic Andre Iguodala.
Worst-Case Scenario:
Denzel Valentine can’t necessarily catch up to the speed of the game but has a career similar to Grievis Vasquez, a slow-footed guard with a high basketball IQ. He bounces around the league and positively contribute wherever he plays.
Most-Likely Scenario:
Denzel Valentine is an immediate contributor to an NBA team as a guy who can hit the three-ball and pass the basketball. He will turn into a key role player who can either come off the bench or start.
While teams such as the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics could use a guy like Valentine, the Grizzlies need to take the opportunity if it arises. The Grizzlies need 3-point shooting and versatility. Denzel Valentine is one of the best 3-point shooters and one of the most versatile players in the draft.