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2016 NBA Mock Draft: Brooklyn Nets Trade For 20th Pick

By Jay Siskin

May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; General view 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; General view 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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64. . SG/SF. Michigan State. Denzel Valentine. 18. player

Mar 18, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) motions while guarded by Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders forward Perrin Buford (2) during the first half of the first round in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) motions while guarded by Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders forward Perrin Buford (2) during the first half of the first round in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Valentine is one of the best dribble-drive players in this draft with his ability to pass and shoot off the dribble. His versatility on the offensive end that he showed during his four-year college career should make him a quick contributor at the NBA level.

The reigning Big Ten Player of the Year doesn’t have the ceiling that some other players ahead of him possess. But the former Michigan State star has the potential to be a rookie who can contribute right away.

He’s super skilled and could go a few picks higher than this, but wouldn’t it be fun to throw him in Detroit as a Swiss Army knife who can hit threes off the bench?

The Pistons have decent perimeter depth at the shooting guard and small forward positions, but adding Valentine’s perimeter shooting and play making would be big for a team that struggled to find offense at times this year. Valentine has the ability to be a backup point guard, which was something Detroit desperately needed last season. They are still somewhat lacking in perimeter shooting, and could always use more playmaking. Valentine provides both.

Valentine’s defense will need work at the next level, but he is a tremendous upgrade over Steve Blake.

Next: Denver Nuggets No. 19