Winslow Townson / APThe Bulls' Denzel Valentine during the fourth quarter against the Celtics in Boston on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017.
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago TribuneDenzel Valentine goes against the defense of the Pistons' Darrun Hilliard during the second half on Dec. 19, 2016.
Brian Cassella / Chicago TribuneDenzel Valentine poses at Bulls media day on Sept. 26, 2016.
Kamil Krzaczynski / APBulls guard Denzel Valentine brings the ball up court against the Spurs during the first half Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017.
LESSER/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock / LESSER/EPA-EFE/REX/ShutterstockHawks guard Dennis Schroeder passes the ball against Bulls forward Denzel Valentine (L) during the first half on Jan. 20, 2018.
Nam Y. Huh / APBucks forward Khris Middleton, left, guards against Bulls guard Denzel Valentine during the first half of a game Friday, March 23, 2018, at the United Center.
Nam Y. Huh / APCavaliers forward LeBron James, right, drives to the basket against Bulls forward Denzel Valentine during the first half Saturday, March 17, 2018.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago TribuneBulls forward Denzel Valentine (45) saves a ball from going out of bounds during the first half against the Clippers at the United Center on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
Jonathan Daniel / Getty ImagesBulls swingman Denzel Valentine leaps to pass in front of the Hornets' Jeremy Lamb at the United Center on Friday, Nov. 17, 2017.
Jim Rogash / Getty ImagesDenzel Valentine of the Michigan State drives by David Walker of Northeastern.
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago TribuneBulls forward Denzel Valentine (45) walks to the locker room after the Bulls defeated the Magic, 94-112, at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017.
Elsa / Getty ImagesBulls forward Denzel Valentine celebrates his 3-pointer in the second half against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden in new York on Jan. 10, 2018.
Nick Wass / APDenzel Valentine reacts after he hit a three-point basket during the first half against the Wizards on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, in Washington.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago TribuneChicago Bulls forward Denzel Valentine (45), celebrates, after making a basket against the Orlando Magic, during the second half of their game at the United Center, in Chicago, on Monday Feb. 12, 2018. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune)
Matt Marton / APBulls forward Denzel Valentine (45) dribbles past Lakers guard Alex Caruso (4) during the second half Friday, Jan. 26, 2018.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneBulls forward Denzel Valentine (45) celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer in the second half against the Cavaliers at the United Center on Saturday, March 17, 2018.
Mark J. Terrill / APBulls forward Denzel Valentine, center, shoots as Clippers forward Wesley Johnson, left, and forward Montrezl Harrell defend during the second half Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018, in Los Angeles.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago TribuneDenzel Valentine lets out a scream during the first half against the Hornets at the United Center on Jan. 2, 2017.
Terrence Antonio James / Chicago TribuneBulls forward Denzel Valentine (45) pus up a shot in the first half against the Heat at the United Center on Monday, Jan. 15, 2018.
Charles Rex Arbogast / APDenzel Valentine participates in the NBA draft basketball combine Friday, May 13, 2016, in Chicago.
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago TribuneDenzel Valentine drives to the basket during the first half against the Trail Blazers at the United Center on Monday, Dec. 5, 2016 in Chicago.
Benjamin Hager / APFormer Michigan State standouts Denzel Valentine, left, and Draymond Green share a moment during a summer league game in Las Vegas on July 17, 2016.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneDenzel Valentine runs down the court in the first half against the Raptors at the United Center on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017.
John J. Kim / Chicago TribuneBulls forward Denzel Valentine (45), right, and guard Justin Holiday (7) celebrate after Holiday's three-point basket in the final seconds of the game against the Hornets at the United Center Friday, Nov. 17, 2017.
David Zalubowski / APBulls forward Denzel Valentine (45) in the first half against the Nuggets on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, in Denver.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneDenzel Valentine brings the ball up the court in the first half against the Bucks at the United Center in Chicago on Friday, Dec. 16, 2016.
John J. Kim / Chicago TribuneBulls forward Denzel Valentine (45) gets low with the ball as Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) defends in the third quarter at the United Center Friday, Nov. 17, 2017.
Bob Leverone / APThe Bulls' Denzel Valentine (45) looks to pass up-court against the Hornets during the second half in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018.
David Dow / NBAE/Getty ImagesDenzel Valentine shoots the ball against the Celtics during a 2016 summer league game in Las Vegas on July 9, 2016.
Abbie Parr / Getty ImagesBulls forward Denzel Valentine reacts in the third quarter against the Nets at Barclays Center in New York on Feb. 26, 2018.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago TribuneDenzel Valentine makes a three-pointer over the Grizzlies' Troy Daniels during the second half at the United Center on March 15, 2017.
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago TribuneDenzel Valentine tries to get around the Magic's C.J. Watson during the second half at the United Center on Nov. 7, 2016.
Al Goldis / APMichigan State coach Tom Izzo talks with Denzel Valentine during the second half of a game against Wisconsin.
Jeff Chiu / APBulls forward Denzel Valentine (45) shoots against Warriors forward Jordan Bell (2) during the first half in Oakland, Calif., Friday, Nov. 24, 2017.
Phil Velasquez / Chicago TribuneBulls first-round draft pick Denzel Valentine does a phone interview on June 27, 2016 at the Advocate Center.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneDenzel Valentine is congratulated by fans after a victory over the Jazz at the United Center on March 18, 2017.
Erin Hooley / Chicago TribuneThe Hawks' Ersan Ilyasova tries to grab the ball from Denzel Valentine during the first half at the United Center on April 1, 2017.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneDenzel Valentine high-fives a teammate in the first half against the Pistons at the United Center on March 22, 2017.
Benjamin Hager / APThe Cavaliers' Diamon Simpson drives to the basket over Denzel Valentine during a summer league game in Las Vegas on July 17, 2016.
John J. Kim / Chicago TribuneDenzel Valentine sits on the bench with Rajon Rondo, Jimmy Butler, Michael Carter-Williams, Dwyane Wade and Denzel Valentine during a home loss to the Heat on Jan. 27, 2017.
Frank Franklin II / APDenzel Valentine hugs family members after being selected 14th overall by the Bulls during the NBA Draft.
Al Goldis / APMichigan State's Denzel Valentine shoots in front of Iowa's Dom Uhl, center, and Peter Jok.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneBulls swingman Denzel Valentine (45) receives a high-five in the second half of a game against the Hawks at the United Center on Thursday, October 26, 2017.
Carlos Osorio / APBulls forward Denzel Valentine prepares to shoot during the first half of a game against the Pistons, Saturday, March 24, 2018, in Detroit.
Tony Gutierrez / APThe Mavericks' J.J. Barea (5) goes up for a shot after getting past Bulls guard Denzel Valentine (45) in the second half of a preseason game Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Dallas.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago TribuneBulls guard Denzel Valentine, left, celebrates a 3-pointer late in the second half of their game against the Hornets at the United Center on Tuesday, April 3, 2018.
Brian Cassella / Chicago TribuneBulls forward Denzel Valentine (45) in the first half Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018 at the United Center.
Andy Lyons / Getty ImagesBulls forward Denzel Valentine dribbles the ball against the Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Jan. 6, 2018.
David Banks / APBulls forward Denzel Valentine (45) reacts after making an assist during the second half against the Tail Blazers, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago TribuneDenzel Valentine before throwing out the first pitch at U.S. Cellular Field before a White Sox-Twins game on June 29, 2016.
Jason Miller / Getty ImagesDenzel Valentine passes around the Cavaliers' Kyle Korver during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on Feb. 25, 2017, in Cleveland.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneBulls forward Denzel Valentine (45) celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer in the second half against the Lakers at the United Center on Friday, Jan. 26, 2018.
Nam Y. Huh / APBulls guard Kris Dunn, left, celebrates with Denzel Valentine after the Bulls defeated the Jazz 103-100 at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017.
John J. Kim / Chicago TribuneMayor Rahm Emanuel meets Denzel Valentine before attending a gathering of students participating in a dropout and violence prevention program at Parker Community Academy on March 14, 2017.
Jim Young / APThe Bulls' Denzel Valentine is guarded by the Hornets' Michael Kidd-Gilchrist during the second half Friday, Nov. 17, 2017.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneBulls swingman Denzel Valentine, left, poses for a photo with his brother, Drew, an assistant coach at Loyola, on Friday, October 27, 2017.
Mike Stobe / Getty ImagesDenzel Valentine celebrates after being drafted 14th overall by the Chicago Bulls.
Charles Rex Arbogast / APDenzel Valentine celebrates his three-point play during the second half of a game against the Hawks Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017.
Mark Humphrey / APBulls forward Denzel Valentine celebrates after a basket against the Grizzlies in the first half Thursday, March 15, 2018, in Memphis, Tenn.
Al Goldis / APMichigan State's Denzel Valentine acknowledges the crowd as he comes out of the game in the closing minute against Ohio State.
Phil Velasquez / Chicago TribuneThe Bulls introduce first-round draft pick Denzel Valentine at a news conference on June, 27, 2016.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneBulls forward Denzel Valentine (45) reacts after his inbound pass was intercepted late in the second half against the 76ers at the United Center on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneBulls players Denzel Valentine and Cameron Payne have some fun on the bench in the second half of a game against the Pistons at the United Center on Wednesday, April 11, 2018.
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago TribuneDenzel Valentine warms up before the Bulls play the Trail Blazers at the United Center on Monday, Dec. 5, 2016 in Chicago.
Phil Velasquez / Chicago TribuneBulls introduce first-round draft pick Denzel Valentine on June 27, 2016 at the Advocate Center. At back right is GM Gar Forman and at far right is coach Fred Holberg.
Bill Kostroun / APBulls forward Denzel Valentine (45) drives to the basket as he gets by Knicks guard Jarrett Jack (55) during the first quarter Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018, at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneBulls forward Denzel Valentine, left, guard Kris Dunn and forward Lauri Markkanen sit on the bench during a game against the Cavaliers at the United Center on Saturday, March 17, 2018.
Phil Velasquez / Chicago TribuneBulls GM Gar Forman and coach Fred Holberg, right, introduce first-round draft pick Denzel Valentine on June 27, 2016.
Julie Jacobson / APDenzel Valentine finishes an interview before the start of the NBA basketball draft lottery on May 17, 2016, in New York.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago TribuneDenzel Valentine celebrates from the bench as his teammates make a comeback against the Raptors during the second half at the United Center on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017.
Dilip Vishwanat / Getty ImagesDenzel Valentine of Michigan State drives to the basket against Reggie Upshaw Jr of Middle Tennessee.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago TribuneDenzel Valentine after throwing out the first pitch at U.S. Cellular Field before a White Sox-Twins game on June 29, 2016.
Brian Cassella / Chicago TribuneBulls forward Denzel Valentine (45) passes around Bucks guard Jason Terry (3) in the first half Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018 at the United Center.
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago TribuneMichigan State guard Denzel Valentine takes a shot against Maryland.
Terrence Antonio James / Chicago TribuneBulls coach Fred Hoiberg, left, and swingman Denzel Valentine participate pose for a photo during media day at the Advocate Center on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017.
Jonathan Daniel / Getty ImagesTimberwolves forward Jimmy Butler is fouled by the Bulls' Denzel Valentine at the United Center on February 9, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois.
Phil Velasquez / Chicago TribuneBulls introduce first-round draft pick Denzel Valentine on June 27, 2016.
LM Otero / APDenzel Valentine passes against Mavericks guard Deron Williams during the second half in Dallas on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016.
Phil Velasquez / Chicago TribuneDenzel Valentine shakes hands with coach Fred Holberg on June 27, 2016.
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago TribuneDenzel Valentine goes up for a basket over the Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo during the first half of the preseason opener at the United Center on Oct. 3, 2016.
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago TribuneWarriors guard Klay Thompson (11) guards Bulls forward Denzel Valentine (45) during the first half at the United Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018.
Tasos Katopodis / Getty Images for Bar IIIDenzel Valentine at the Bar III event at Macy's State Street on Sept. 23, 2016 in Chicago.
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneBulls forward Denzel Valentine (45) loses control of the ball in front of Suns forward TJ Warren (12) in the first half at the United Center on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017.
Nam Y. Huh / APBulls forward Denzel Valentine looks around as he walks on the court during the second half against the Cavaliers, Saturday, March 17, 2018.
John J. Kim / Chicago TribuneBulls forward Denzel Valentine reacts after hitting a buzzer-beater to end the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the United Center on Friday, Feb. 9, 2018, in Chicago.
Michael Conroy / APPacers forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) makes a pass in front of Bulls forward Denzel Valentine (45) during the first half in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017.
Nick Wass / APDenzel Valentine catches a pass against Wizards guard Sheldon McClellan during the first half Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, in Washington.
Charles Rex Arbogast / APThe Bulls' Denzel Valentine, left, and the Mavericks' Dwight Powell battle for the ball during the second half Friday, March 2, 2018.
Jim Rogash / Getty ImagesDenzel Valentine of Michigan State waits for the ball during a game against Northeastern.
Laurence Kesterson / APBulls forward Denzel Valentine (45) is fouled by 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) during the first half Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018, in Philadelphia.
Kyusung Gong / APBulls coach Fred Hoiberg, right, and forward Denzel Valentine during the first half of a game against the Lakers on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017, in Los Angeles.
Charles Rex Arbogast / APBulls' Denzel Valentine makes a no look pass during the second half against the Orlando Magic Monday, Feb. 12, 2018, in Chicago.
Frank Franklin II / APDenzel Valentine answers questions during an interview after being selected 14th overall by the Bulls.
Alex Brandon / APBulls forward Denzel Valentine (45) drives to the basket as Wizards guard John Wall (2) defends during the first half Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Washington.
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago TribuneDenzel Valentine comes out with his team before the first half of the preseason opener against the Bucks at the United Center on Oct. 3, 2016.
Anthony Souffle / Chicago TribuneBears offensive tackle Kyle Long talks with the Bulls' Denzel Valentine before a preseason game at Soldier Field on Aug. 27, 2016.
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago TribuneCeltics forward Daniel Theis (27) guards Bulls forward Denzel Valentine (45) during the first half at the United Center on Monday Dec. 11, 2017.
Tony Dejak / APThe Bulls' Denzel Valentine, right, drives past the Cavaliers' Jae Crowder during the second half Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, in Cleveland.
Charles Rex Arbogast / APThe Bulls' Denzel Valentine, left, and the Grizzlies' Ben McLemore, right, battle for a loose ball during the second half Wednesday, March 7, 2018.
Winslow Townson / APMichigan State's Denzel Valentine brings the ball upcourt during a game against Northeastern.
Jonathan Daniel / Getty ImagesBulls forward Denzel Valentine screams after hiting a 3-pointer against the Warriors at the United Center on Jan. 17, 2018.
Winslow Townson / AP
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The Bulls' Denzel Valentine during the fourth quarter against the Celtics in Boston on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017.
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By K.C. Johnson | Chicago Tribune
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
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Bashful, Denzel Valentine is not. Unconfidence, also, is no issue.
Nine of Valentine’s 11 points and four of his 12 shots came in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s desperately needed victory over the Jazz. That’s winning time.
Rookie or not, Valentine believes he belongs.
“That’s what you want,” Valentine said. “You want to be on the court at those moments.”
That Valentine played the entire fourth quarter of a victory fed both sides of the Bulls’ beast — playoff push and player development. Valentine is focused on both.
“We still have a lot of belief in this locker room,” Valentine said.
The first-round product doesn’t talk — or act — like a typical rookie. After one great pass to Bobby Portis, he turned and let out a primal scream to the crowd.
Somewhere, Joakim Noah nods his head in approval.
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