The Viral Story Of "Oh My God Valentine": Where Is Denzel Valentine Now?

The phrase "Oh my god Valentine!" or "Oh my goodness, Valentine!" has become one of the most enduring, albeit infamous, commentary snippets in modern sports history, transcending a single basketball game to become a universal meme. This iconic line, delivered with palpable exasperation by a Chicago Bulls broadcaster, is directly tied to the career of former NBA lottery pick Denzel Valentine. As of December 2025, the story of the player and the viral moment continues to be a fascinating case study on how a single, ill-advised decision on the court can cement a player's legacy in the digital age. The term's virality stems from a single, unforgettable moment of poor shot selection that left commentators speechless and fans bewildered. While the meme can be used generically to describe any horrendous failure in sports or life, its true origin is a specific play that changed the trajectory of Denzel Valentine’s public perception. To truly understand the impact of the phrase, one must first understand the man behind the infamous shot and his journey from college stardom to a journeyman professional career.

Denzel Valentine: A Complete Biography and Career Profile

Denzel Robert Valentine, the player whose name is forever linked to the viral phrase, had a college career that was nothing short of legendary before his NBA struggles began. His journey is a classic tale of a college star trying to find his footing in the professional ranks.

• Full Name: Denzel Robert Valentine
• Date of Birth: November 16, 1993
• Place of Birth: Lansing, Michigan, USA
• Nationality: American
• Height: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
• Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
• College: Michigan State University (MSU)
• College Highlights: Consensus National Player of the Year (2016), First-team All-American (2016), Big Ten Player of the Year (2016), only player in Michigan State history with 1,000 points, 700 rebounds, and 500 assists.
• NBA Draft: 2016, Round 1, Pick 14 by the Chicago Bulls (NBA Lottery Pick)
• NBA Teams: Chicago Bulls (2016–2021), Cleveland Cavaliers (2021–2022), Utah Jazz (briefly in 2022), Boston Celtics (2022)
• Current Team (As of December 2025): Reyer Venezia Mestre (Umana Reyer Venezia) in the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA)

The Infamous "The Shot" That Created a Viral Meme

The core of the "Oh my god Valentine" phenomenon is a single, ill-advised play that occurred during a Chicago Bulls game against the Miami Heat on April 24, 2021. This moment was instantly immortalized by the raw, honest reaction of the Bulls' broadcast team.

The Context of the Viral Moment

The game was in the fourth quarter, with the Bulls trailing the Heat by a slim margin, needing smart, calculated possessions to mount a comeback. Denzel Valentine, then playing for the Bulls, received the ball. Instead of running a set play, driving to the basket, or passing to a teammate, Valentine pulled up from far beyond the three-point line with a significant amount of time—19 seconds—still remaining on the shot clock. This was not a desperation heave; it was a baffling, early attempt. The shot was an air ball, missing everything and leading to a turnover that effectively sealed the game for the Heat. The egregious nature of the shot—the distance, the score, the time on the clock, and the result—made it a perfect storm for broadcast gold.

The Iconic Commentary: Adam Amin and Stacey King

The reaction from the Bulls' broadcast duo, play-by-play announcer Adam Amin and color commentator Stacey King, is what truly launched the phrase into meme stardom. As Valentine released the ball, Stacey King, a former NBA player known for his passionate reactions, simply yelled, "No!" with a tone of utter disbelief. Immediately following, Adam Amin delivered the now-famous line: "Oh my goodness, Valentine! Oh no! That is not the shot at that moment." The combination of King’s immediate, despairing "No!" and Amin's incredulous, drawn-out delivery of "Oh my goodness, Valentine!" captured the collective frustration of the fanbase and the absurdity of the moment. The clip went viral overnight, with the phrase being clipped, remixed, and shared across all major social media platforms, including Twitter (now X), Reddit, and YouTube.

From NBA Lottery Pick to International Star: Denzel Valentine's Latest Career Updates

While the "Oh my god Valentine" moment remains a popular lowlight, Denzel Valentine's professional basketball journey is far from over. The narrative of his career is one of perseverance, having transitioned from an NBA Lottery Pick with the Chicago Bulls to a successful player in the international leagues. This transition provides the most current and fresh information regarding his status.

The Post-NBA Career Trajectory

After his tenure with the Bulls and brief stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics, Valentine's NBA opportunities dwindled. This is a common path for players who struggle to meet the high expectations of a first-round draft selection. He spent time in the NBA G League, showcasing his skills for the Maine Celtics and the Valley Suns, attempting to earn his way back onto an NBA roster. The G League is a crucial proving ground, but for Valentine, it ultimately led to a new chapter overseas.

Where is Denzel Valentine Now? (December 2025 Update)

In a significant update, Denzel Valentine has found a new home and a prominent role in European basketball. As of the current date, he is playing for Reyer Venezia Mestre (Umana Reyer Venezia), a top-tier club competing in the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA). This move to the Italian league signals a successful pivot in his career, allowing him to be a primary contributor and utilize the all-around skills that made him a National Player of the Year at Michigan State. Playing in Europe provides a chance for players to rebuild confidence, showcase versatility, and escape the shadow of a viral moment that defined their NBA tenure. His current status highlights that "Oh my god Valentine" is a historical meme, not the end of his professional story.

The Enduring Legacy of the Viral Phrase

The phrase "Oh my god Valentine" has evolved beyond basketball, becoming a cultural shorthand for any moment of spectacular failure or a severely questionable decision. It is frequently used in general commentary, gaming streams, and social media reactions to convey extreme disappointment or shock at a poor choice. The Urban Dictionary entry for the related "Oh my goodness Valentine" confirms its status as a widely used phrase for someone who "fails horrendously." Ultimately, the story of "Oh my god Valentine" is a layered one. It's the tale of a talented athlete, Denzel Valentine, whose career was momentarily overshadowed by a single, viral mistake. It is also a testament to the power of sports commentary and social media to elevate a fleeting moment of human error into a permanent piece of internet folklore, following him even as he thrives in the Lega Basket Serie A.