The Boston Celtics are reportedly signing former Maine Celtics wing Denzel Valentine to a camp deal, according to WILX’s Tim Staudt. A native of Lansing, Michigan, Valentine was the No. 14 pick by the Chicago Bulls of the 2016 NBA draft but has struggled at the next level after a successful collegiate career with Michigan State.
Valentine spent the first five seasons of his career with the Bulls. He signed a deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers at the start of last season and was dealt to the New York Knicks as part of a three-team trade. Cut by New York soon after, the former Spartan standout latched on to the Maine Celtics in the hopes of earning time with the Celtics.
That did not happen last season, but could materialize now as Boston looks to bolster its wing depth with one of three open regular roster spots the team has yet to fill.
Before the Boston Celtics, Payton Pritchard was a knockdown shot https://t.co/Q4z2EWrHs5
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) August 11, 2022
A career 36% 3-point shooter, Valentine has not yet done well in a large role, but he has shown some promise coming off of the bench as a depth option. Given that is the role he would likely have with the Celtics, it seems he has a solid shot at making the roster.
At age 29, he may have the upside of younger camp participants working against him, but showing he still has a reliable shot from deep could be enough to make Valentine a Celtic come opening night.
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