In preparation for the 2016-17 Fantasy Basketball season, it's time to get to know some of the new guys in the player pool.  The 2015 draft brought in a massive influx of fantasy relevant NBA talent, from a burgeoning super-star at the top of the draft (Minnesota's Karl-Anthony Towns) to a hidden jewel in the middle of the 2nd round (Miami's Josh Richardson).  While this draft doesn't have as much guaranteed talent in the lottery, it does feature its own star at the top and a depth of intriguing players who could make an impact from out of the 2nd round.

The Bulls made a smart pick based on where their roster was on draft night. Valentine could have immediately helped facilitate the ball, which would be needed with Derrick Rose now in New York. The additions of Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade hurt the value of Denzel Valentine, but he should still see minutes off the bench, especially as the season progresses.

NBA Rookie Fantasy Profile: Denzel Valentine

Position: SG/SF

Team: Chicago Bulls

Draft Spot: 1.14

Analysis: The Bulls had the last pick in the lottery. Wade Baldwin was a popular player mocked to the Bulls before the draft, but they are a team that tends to draft older college stars that fall in the draft. There were a few high upside picks that the Bulls could have went with, but they opted to draft one of the safest players in the draft, Denzel Valentine.

Valentine’s value took a hit when the Bulls signed Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade. He’s an NBA ready prospect, though, and he will likely see minutes off the bench this season. It isn’t out of the question that he can play three positions in the NBA, as he has the ball handling and court vision of a point guard, but he has a great jump shot and ability to score at the rim, which will allow him to play shooting guard and small forward. If he finds minutes, which is far from guaranteed, Valentine could contribute this season, as he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game last season at Michigan State.

The only real knock of Valentine is his size and lack of athletic ability. Still, if Valentine can learn another position, he would have elite size for a point guard, rather than being an under-sized small forward. The lack of athleticism is certainly concerning, but it didn’t slow him down in college, and Valentine will likely become a multi-category contributor for the Bulls. The biggest concern is Valentine’s knees, which haven’t held up as much as scouts were hoping during his college career. With that being said, Valentine has the potential to become a triple double threat in the NBA, which is rare and makes him a high upside dynasty league selection without much risk besides an injury shortening his career.

Bottom Line: If given playing time, he could immediately produce points, assists, 3PM, 3P%, and rebounds. Will struggle with minutes early in the season due to the logjam created by Rondo, Wade, and Butler, but could increase as he proves he's ready for the NBA and if injuries strike the starting trio. Worth a later round pick in re-draft leagues.