New York Knicks: Top five 2019 NBA Draft prospects after NCAA Tournament
The 2018-19 college basketball season is over. Which draft prospects are the best from the class the New York Knicks can select from?
With only two games left, the New York Knicks are in position for the offseason to start and end a season of losses, injuries and surprises, including the January Kristaps Porzingis trade. The page can be turned after April 10.
However, another season ended Monday night, as college basketball wrapped up the 2019 Men’s NCAA Tournament. This sport’s best players dominated the past three weeks, leading to the National Championship Game of Virginia defeating Texas Tech in overtime.
From a handful of teams in action, there were potential draft prospects on display. These players had the chance to improve their stock and work into the top of the board.
So after the dust cleared, who are the top five prospects for the 2019 NBA Draft?
5. Jarrett Culver, Texas Tech
Age: 20
Height, Weight: 6-foot-5, 195 pounds
Slash Line: .461/.304/.707
Season Averages: 18.5 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 1.3 3PM
Jarrett Culver was the star of Texas Tech’s tournament run. His flirtations with triple-doubles and strong two-way performances put this team into the driver’s seat and a surprise spot in the National Championship Game on Monday night.
Despite this, Culver’s title game was difficult. He had 15 points, but on just 5-for-22 shooting, nine rebounds and five assists. Sure, Virginia’s stifling defense impacted this line, but for one last game before the NBA, it marked a disappointing night on college basketball’s biggest stage.
This dropped Culver’s slash line to 46.1 percent shooting and 30.4 percent on three-pointers, which won’t stir up hype in draft interest.
However, in a draft with uncertainty after the top two or three picks, Culver remains a top talent. His athleticism to cut to the hoop, near seven-foot wingspan and defensive acumen provides a higher floor and upside, pending his jumpshot settles down in the NBA, which tailed off by 78 percentage points from his freshman to sophomore season.
Culver should still hover around the top five, especially with Cam Reddish’s stumble down the stretch and questions on other prospects. Teams like the New York Knicks can use him, due to the offensive-minded point guards in place.