Denzel Valentine Says He'd Like to Play for Warriors

If Denzel Valentine had his way, he'd want to suit up for the defending NBA champions.

The Michigan State Spartans senior, and newly crowned Associated Press Player of the Year, said Friday on SportsCenter he would like to play with former Michigan State star Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors.

"If I had to choose, it wouldn’t hurt to play with Draymond over there with the Warriors," Valentine said, via Mike Wilson of 247Sports.

Valentine emphasized how cold it is in Michigan and he would prefer "anywhere warm."

"Michigan is cold," Valentine said, via Wilson.

If the feelings are mutual and the Warriors want to draft Valentine, Golden State may need to move up the draft ladder in order to get him. Draft Express has him as the No. 17 prospect in this year's NBA draft. That wouldn't be good for Valentine, because Draft Express has the 17th pick belonging to the Detroit Pistons.

If Valentine fell into Golden State's lap with the expected 30th pick, the Warriors would need to make some room at small forward. Harrison Barnes is a free agent at the end of this year, and the Warriors would need an immediate replacement at the 3. Valentine would be the perfect choice, as his overall game would complement the Warriors offense well.

Valentine averaged 7.8 assists per game last year. He would be a perfect point forward who could not only attack the basket and make perimeter shots, but his vision to find the likes of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Green behind the three-point line would push the Golden State offense to another level of absurdity.

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