Denzel Valentine is getting his NBA education in chunks at a time. Last week it was at Macy’s on State Street, where the Bulls rookie signed autographs and posed for pictures, one fan at a time. All 200 or so. Those are some of the demands he faces now: long lines of autograph seekers, long commutes, a long season.
But the former Michigan State University star said he’s ready to embrace it all. He talked with the Tribune during a promotional event for Macy’s Bar III men’s clothing line a few days before his first day of training camp Monday.
On mentally and physically preparing for a 82-game season
Just trying to pretty much do anything I can to get ready for it. Try to get rested up. Just gear up for this grind that’s about to happen. But I’m very excited about it. Just the anticipation is crazy, so I just can’t wait for it. … Strength coach is here. I’ve been here for the last month getting ready, trying to build my body up, lifting, taking care of my body, stretching, (working on his legs and core) and doing all the things they say is necessary.
On which Bulls are giving him advice
Tony Snell, he gave me advice about how the training camp is going to go. He just said hang in there, it’s going to be tough. You’re going to have a couple of two-a-days and it may not be going right for you as you planned because it’s your first one. The vets have been through it … and you’re kind of the young guy on the block.
On what makes him versatile
Being able to guard multiple positions and play multiple positions on offense. The way the game’s going now it’s small ball. I kind of fit that mold. I can play 1, I can play 2, I can play 3 and even guard some 4 sometimes. I’m going to be able to do a lot of things as far as shooting, playmaking and playing defense and rebounding. I pretty much do it all and do what I can to help my team win.
On his new home
My crib is all set up. I like the … Old Town area. It’s cool. … I try to eat at a new spot every night. It’s a lot of good spots out here. I tried SteakBar, Siena Tavern. … (At home) I got all my trophies in there. If I’m going through tough times throughout the year and adversity, it will remind me of what I’ve accomplished.
On Chicago traffic
Traffic is kind of rough. Coming from Lansing (Michigan), you can get anywhere you want to go in five, 10 minutes. Here you’ve got to at least give yourself a 30-minute cushion. When I wake up in the morning I’ve got to set my alarm 30 minutes earlier than I would at school. That’s been a little bit of an adjustment. Other than that I love it.
On developing his fashion sense
I pretty much never wore a suit in college. Between the (NBA) draft and now I’ve been wearing suits a lot. Bar III, from Macy’s, I’ve been wearing that a lot. I signed with Nike.
On liking hip-hop and pop; Jimmy Butler’s musical tastes, on the other hand …
I don’t know if I’m ready for that. I heard about his playlist. … I really don’t even know who Luke Bryan is, to be honest. I know Taylor Swift. I’ll give them a chance. I won’t be biased.
On his movie and TV favorites
The “Friday” series are my favorite movies. C’mon now, those are classics. I am getting into “Power.” I’m on the third season. I’m (like) none of them dudes. Ghost is a pathological liar, he’s just sneaky. …. Kanan is too crazy for me. Tommy, I can’t stand him; he’s nuts …. I do like Ghost’s wife. Tasha’s cool. She holds it down for the most part. She probably is my favorite character.
Twitter @_phil_thompson
