Knicks 2019 Draft Analysis: Grading the six best back-up plans

6. Jarrett Culver

Jarrett Culver has shown explosive growth in his sophomore season at Texas Tech, showing improved numbers in almost all statistical categories from his freshman season. Increasing his offensive output from 11.2 points, 1.8, assists and 4.8r rebounds in 26.4 minutes of play to averaging 18.7 points, 3.9 assists and 7.1 rebounds in 31.4 minutes, Culver has shown himself to be a crafty 2-guard who can score in a variety of ways this season for Texas Tech.

Though not huge at 6-foot-5, 195 pounds, Culver has shown an ability to contort and use his lanky frame to get to the hoop and shoot over top of defenders, which is bolstered even more by a high arcing shot that has shown some accuracy from range (34.9 percent from three-point on 3.3 a game). It’s unquestionable that Culver can score; what is questionable is whether he can score enough on the NBA level to make up for his lack of defense.

Culver does have defensive potential, possessing decent size and a long frame, but unless he puts on weight and potentially grows, he will only be able to consistently guard the 1 and 2, and some of the quicker point guards and bigger shooting guards may have their way with him. More than that, with his lack of significant size, he will need to develop into much more of a shooter in the NBA game in order to be effective driving to the hoop.

With Culver there are a lot more questions than answers, and with the team looking to hit a home run in this years draft, it may be best to steer away if other options are available.

Grade: B-