New York Knicks: 2019 NBA Mock Draft, All-Star break edition
38. . G. Texas Tech. Jarrett Culver. 10. player
The Orlando Magic have selected in the lottery each season since 2013. They still have a chance to make the playoffs in a weak back-end of the Eastern Conference but, for now, the No. 10 overall pick is in line for this still-rebuilding franchise.
Aaron Gordon and Mohamed Bamba are locked into the frontcourt. Everyone else is in question, as Nikola Vucevic and Terrence Ross hit free agency. Markelle Fultz is even an unknown as a reclamation project.
Jarrett Culver provides backcourt protection for free agency losses and however Fultz plays upon return. It’s a potential player to be available at 10th or within this range — a shooter with defensive potential at a 6-foot-10 wingspan and standing 6-foot-6. Couple that with 1.1 steals per game at Texas Tech.
It’s a cheaper, controllable player to replace Ross. Jonathon Simmons‘ departure left an opening in the middle of the rotation, as well.
Orlando might not need yet another pick, but they don’t hold the cards as a free agent destination, thus making the draft a necessary outlet to build this roster. Players took a step in the right direction in 2018-19, but more is needed to compete in the East.
If the New York Knicks fall down the lottery, Culver fits as a two guard next to Smith Jr. It would take a significant tumble, though, to put him in position for them, unless the Red Raiders guard’s stock rises.