NBA Draft 2016: BTBP Big Board 1.0

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 31, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) gestures to the sidelines during the first half of a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) gestures to the sidelines during the first half of a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

15. Denzel Valentine – Shooting Guard (Michigan State)

Words by Ti Windisch

Valentine’s 2015-16 season: 19.5 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 7.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 47.3% FG

Denzel Valentine is one of my absolute favorite players in this draft. He’s billed as a shooting guard, but I would be happier playing him at point guard in the NBA.

Valentine is smart enough to run the point, and would likely continue to pour in the assists and rebounds considering his size advantage over more typical point guards. At 6’6″, Valentine would be one of the NBA’s taller point guards.

There’s range to Valentine’s game too, as he’s currently shooting 45 percent from beyond the arc. His almost 20 points per game demonstrates how gifted a scorer he is. It’s hard to poke holes in Valentine, who has been terrific for Michigan all season.

Hopefully whatever team is lucky enough to snag Denzel Valentine realizes that he can play point guard. Valentine could likely be a good shooting guard, but I feel like he has the chance to be special if he plays the point guard position.

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