Denzel Valentine is an American professional basketball player for Maine Celtics of the NBA G League. More, he is good at fast dribbling, setting up offensive plays, and retains the will to prepare to win stance.
Robert Valentine became the first player in Michigan State history to be named the National Player of the Year by the Associated Press.
Moreover, he also amassed the year honors from the NABC, Sports Illustrated, USA Today, NBC Sports, and Basketball Times.
Find out more alluring information regarding the family, lifestyle, career, personal life, and net worth of intriguing basketball player Denzel Valentine.
But before, take a brief look at the briefly introduced quick facts.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Denzel Robert Valentine |
| Birth Date | November 16, 1993 |
| Birth Place | Lansing, Michigan |
| Nick Name | Denzel Valentine |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Afro-American |
| High School | J.W. Sexton, Lansing, Michigan |
| College | Michigan State |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Father’s Name | Carlton Valentine |
| Mother’s Name | Kathy Valentine |
| Siblings | Drew Valentine |
| Age | 30 years old |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 100 Kilogram (220 lb) |
| League | NBA |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Profession | NBA Player |
| Professional Career Teams |
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| Draft In | 2016 / Round:1 / Pick: 14th |
| Jersey No. | 7 (for Maine Celtics) |
| Active Years in Basketball | 2016 – Present |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Marital Status | Not available |
| Girlfriend | Alexis Akers |
| Kids | Unknown |
| Net Worth | $24 million |
| Position | Shooting guard |
| Social Media | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook |
| Merch | Jersey |
| Last Update | April, 2024 |
Denzel Valentine | Early Life & Family
Bold and aesthetic self, Valentine was born on November 16, 1993.
His full birth name is Denzel Robert Valentine, popularly known as Denzel Valentine. Moreover, he holds an American nationality and belongs to the African-American ethnicity.
Thus, Valentine is the youngest of the two sons of Carlton and Kathy Valentine. Carlton is a former Michigan State player and coached basketball, including his sons, at J.W Sexton high school in Lansing, Michigan.
Indeed, that’s where Valentine began his tremendous basketball career.
Furthermore, Kathy Valentine, a former tutor at Lansing Public School, has been by her son’s side in his momentous time and glories.
Denzel’s wise determination and his dad helped him secure the ambition to be a professional basketball player.
Further, his older brother Drew is an American College Basketball coach, and presently, he is the head coach at Loyola University Chicago. In addition, he played collegiate basketball at Oakland University in Michigan.
On the other hand, Valentine shares a great bond as a big brother with fellow NBA player Draymond Green. He considers him as one of his mains.
Denzel Valentine | Basketball Career
High School Career
Valentine went to J.W Sexton High School in Lansing, Michigan. He played basketball alongside future Michigan State teammate Bryn Forbes under his Father’s coaching management. His Father, Carlton Valentine, is a former Michigan State player.
Moreover, Valentine scored 10.9 points, 5.8 assists, and 6.3 rebounds in his sophomore season and led Sexton High School to the state title game. Thus, he was rewarded 2010 Class B honorable mention all-state.
Furthermore, as a senior, he scored 14 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists per game and helped Sexton oversee a 27-1 record.
Therefore, the Associated Press elected him as the Lansing State Journal Player of the Year and Class B Player of the year.
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College Career
After the flourishing high school year, Valentine attended Michigan State University.
Thus, he earned Orlando Classic All-Tournament Team, USBWA All-District V, NCAA East Regional All-Tournament, and Third Team All-Big Ten honors in his junior season.
As a senior, in November 2015, Valentine became the fourth player in Michigan State history to record a triple-double.
Furthermore, he finished his 2015-16 regular season with an average of 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists. Then, he was named National Player of the Year by USA Today.
In addition, Valentine was declared the Big Ten’s Player of the Year by Big Ten. Following that, Valentine was named to the Sporting News All-American Team.
Therefore, he assembled many honors and rewards in his senior year at Michigan State University. He won the first College Basketball Player of the Year Award and NABC Player of the Year in 2012.
Professional Career
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls selected Denzel Valentine with the 14th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft.
Then, he signed his rookie scale contract with the Chicago Bulls in July 2016.
Later, he hit the backtracking jumper and led the team to an 84-82 overtime win against Minnesota Timberwolves in the Las Vegas Summer League Championship game.
In January 2017, Valentine logged career-high 19 points and five three-pointers against the Washington Wizards.
Similarly, in March, he struck eight 3-pointers and recorded a career-best 34 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Consequently, he was ruled out of the season due to a devastating ankle injury.
Cleveland Cavaliers
After bringing four successful seasons into his career with Chicago Bulls, Valentine signed a deal with Cleveland Cavaliers.
Thus, he signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers on September 22, 2021.
Utah Jazz
Later, after some stints with Cleveland Cavaliers, Valentine was traded to the New York Knicks as a part of a three-team agreement that also encompasses the Los Angeles Lakers on January 3, 2022.
Furthermore, he was subsequently waived by the Knicks. Then, Valentine signed a 10-day contract with the Utah Jazz on January 10, 2022.
Maine Celtics
Valentine was acquired by the Maine Celtics of the NBA G League on January 21, 2022.
National Team Career
The magnificent player Valentine was a member of USA Basketball’s senior men’s national team at the 2015 Pan American Games.
Moreover, the tournament was held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, at the Ryerson Athletic Center. Thus, the team achieved the bronze medal in the game with a 3-2 record.
Also, he had training with a select team for the USA Basketball Select Team prepared for the 2016 Rio Olympic team.
Awards & Achievements
- AP Player of the Year (2016)
- Consensus first-team All-American (2016)
- NABC Player of the Year (2016)
- Senior CLASS Award (2016)
- Lute Olson Award (2016)
- Julius Erving Award (2016)
- First-team All-Big Ten (2015)
- Big Ten Player of the Year (2016)
- Third-team All-Big Team (2015)
- Big Ten Tournament MOP (2016)
- First-team All-Big Ten (2016)
Medals
- Pan American Games 2015- Bronze Medal
Denzel Valentine as a Dope Rapper
The shooting guard Valentine is a decent basketball player and is equally generous as a rapper. Further, he released his first album in February 2021.
Then, he disclosed his album as an extravaganza on Valentine’s Day, imposing eleven songs he composed and recorded. His album is “517: Made Me” and is accessible on YouTube.
Thus, his voice is glorified, and songs are beautifully written with dope lyrics.
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Age, Height & Weight
The skilled shooting guard was born on November 16, 1993. So, according to his birth date, Valentine is 30 years old.
Moreover, he is a player of average stature. He stands at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m), and his body weighs around 220 lb (100 kg).
Furthermore, he has an athletic body build with a well-upheld style. Thus, it’s apparent that his maintained height and weight boost his fantastic performance on the court.
Also, he has kept a stable print on his body and a tattoo on his left arm. Thus, the tattoo was embedded in his family’s honor, and his passion was reconciled as an inspiration for him.
Denzel Valentine | Contract & Net Worth
The prominent basketball player has a net worth of $24 million.
Likewise, he signed a four-year-$9,936,796 deal with the Chicago Bulls, entailing $9,936,769 guaranteed and an annual average salary estimated was $2,484,192.
In 2020-21, his estimated salary with Chicago Bulls was $4,642,800. And, in 2019-20 he earned $3,377,568 sum.
Furthermore, his salary with Utah Jazz in 2021-22 was $102,831, and $880,509 with New York Knicks.
Moreover, he was the 92nd best-paid forward in 2021-2022.
Who is Denzel Valentine’s Girlfriend?
The phenomenal player had created history with a bucket full of awards and achievements since his high school days. Thus, his professional career is a tremendous amount of fortune.
Besides his professional life, there were rumors that Valentine is endowed with a glamorous girlfriend, Alexis Akers, in real life.
According to some sources, Valentine and Alexis Akers have been together since 2013. Also, his name has not linked up with any lady except Akers.
Furthermore, Alexis Akers is originally from Holt, Michigan, and she attended high school. Then, she graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication.
However, it has been more than a year since their final picture together. Hence, their current relationship status is unknown, as they might have kept everything about their personal life behind the curtain to avoid chaos.
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Social Media Presence
Besides being a notable shooting guard, Valentine’s established themself on social media.
After all, he is both a competent player and an artist; it’s prevalent to catch a glimpse of his swag and attractive pictures on social media accounts.
Besides, he is relatively active on Twitter and Instagram accounts. His posts are also filled with an immense love for his mum that can be felt via Instagram uploads with beautiful inscriptions.
On the other hand, his self pictures are amazing with iconic dressing insight.
Click on the link below to his social media accounts for more information and familiarity with Valentine.
Exciting Facts About Denzel Valentine
- Denzel Valentine and coach Tom Izzo were one-time guests in the ABC dance competition series Dancing With the Stars. They were privileged to be tutored by two stunning professional dancers, Artem Chigvintsev and Edyta Sliwinska.
- His three favorite musicians artists of all time are; Drake, Lil Wayne, and Meek Mill.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
What of the biggest influences led Valentine to pursue music more seriously?
Valentine’s biggest inspiration for diving into hip-hop music is his dad. Since he was born, he has listened to hip-hop with his dad.
Moreover, they used to listen to 50 Cent, Jay Z, Tupac, Biggie, and all old-school rappers. Later, he started listening on his own, where Lil Wayne was the first rapper admired by Valentine.
Is Denzel Valentine close to his mother?
Yes, he is indeed close to his mother. Moreover, Denzel gifted her a car and posted a picture on his Instagram, captioning, “Dreams do come true.”
