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OKC Thunder 30 for 30 Part 5: Bullish on Denzel Valentine

By Lawrence George

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 29: Denzel Valentine #45 of the Chicago Bulls jocks for a position during the game against the Miami Heat on March 29, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 29: Denzel Valentine #45 of the Chicago Bulls jocks for a position during the game against the Miami Heat on March 29, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder target Denzel Valentine
CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 17: Denzel Valentine #45 of the Chicago Bulls warms up before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 17, 2018 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.  Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3-Point marksmanship

Entering his third season, Valentine’s 3-PT stroke has improved both years in the NBA. As a rookie, the 24 year-old shot 35 percent from deep on 3.6 attempts per game and improved to 38.6 percent last year on 4.8 attempts. If the trend renders true, Valentine stands to break the 40 percent threshold, placing him in the upper echelon of shooters in the league.

In the Chicago’s 114-109 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Valentine scored a career high 34 points (13-20 from the field, 8-11 3-PT) seven rebounds, six assists and one block in 39 minutes.

One concern is he didn’t receive a single free throw in 39 minutes. However in an excellent display of long range shooting, he can be forgiven for not getting to the line.

Excellent Court Vision

Valentine is a solid passer who displays excellent court vision and patience, allowing plays to naturally unfold rather than forcing the issue. His assist total jumped from 1.7 assists per game in his rookie season to 3.2 assists last year.

Some may argue this is a product of an increase in playing time, Valentine has shown he is capable of running an offense in spurts. At 6’6, he is able to see over most guards and provide a perfect pass when its called upon. In 27.2 minutes of action, Valentine averages just 1.3 turnovers per game.

Defensive Rebounding

Listed as a shooting guard – small forward hybrid, Valentine finished last year averaging 5.1 rebounds per game. His rebound average places him 17th in small forwards and 5th in shooting guards who clean the glass.

While his 6’10 wingspan certainly assists in his pursuit for rebounds, Valentine crashes the boards with ferocity. His hustle for the ball is impressive given he’s often caught among the trees.

Rebounding is more than arbitrary metrics. Seven footers struggle to average five rebounds a game let alone a 6’6 guard. Desire for the ball breeds competitiveness, a trait absent in many NBA players in today’s game.

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