A Michigan State basketball legend is heading down under. On Saturday, it was reported by Olgun Uluc of ESPN that Denzel Valentine has signed a one-year contract with the Sydney Kings of the NBL, the top men’s professional basketball league in Australia and New Zealand.
The Kings have won the NBL Grand Final the last two seasons and are the reigning NBL champions. Valentine will suit up next to former Michigan Wolverine and reigning Grand Final MVP Derrick Walton.
Valentine bounced around the NBA and G-League the last few seasons after having one breakout year with the Chicago Bulls back in 2017-18, where he averaged 10.2 points per game and started nearly half the season for the Bulls. Unfortunately, Valentine had multiple serious injuries in his left leg and ankle and never quite looked the same as he did for a brief window that season.
The move to the NBL will give Valentine, who is still just 29, a chance at a second career in a very competitive and fun league.
Denzel Valentine has signed a one-year deal with the Sydney Kings, sources told ESPN.
— Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) July 23, 2023
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