NBA Mock Draft 2016: Lottery Set, Who Do Lakers Get at No. 2?

May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Cupchak represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Cupchak represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 22, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA;Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) before the game against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA;Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) before the game against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-5.75
Weight: 210 pounds
Wingspan: 6-10.75
DOB: 11/16/93

When it comes to accolades in college, there aren’t any players quite as decorated as former Michigan State Spartans star Denzel Valentine. The guard progressively got better throughout his career until he was an all-around stud in his senior season in East Lansing. Now that he’s heading to the NBA, though, he presents a bit of a quandary for many teams.

You can’t argue with his production in the slightest as Valentine put up 19.2 points, 7.8 assists, 7.5 rebounds and one steal in 33 minutes per game in his senior season. Even more impressive was his efficiency with marks of 46.2 percent made field goals and knocking down 44.4 percent of his threes. However, he’s already 22 years old, might be a bit lacking in terms of size at the NBA level at shooting guard. At the same time, though, he might be one of the most pro-ready prospects in this draft with his most major concern being a lack of upside at his age.

That said, I like him for a Nuggets team in need of depth at guard moving forward and simply in need of talent. Moreover, it’ll pair him with Gary Harris again and that should be an intriguing bit of camaraderie moving forward.

Next: No. 16 Celtics

Schedule