2019 NBA Mock Draft: Full lottery impact on the first round
player. 20. . SG. Texas Tech. Jarrett Culver. 4
Age: 20
Height, Weight: 6-foot-6, 200 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
The Los Angeles Lakers found some lottery luck and soared from 11th to fourth. While not in a position for one of the three perceived top prospects, they can still find a difference-maker this high in the 2019 NBA Draft.
This franchise is loaded with turmoil. From the front office to the coaching staff, everything turned upside down before the conference finals could even start.
Yet, LeBron James is still there. So is Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart and a questionable Brandon Ingram after dealing with blood clots. Some pieces are in place, and the Lakers can add one of the NCAA Tournament’s stars.
Jarrett Culver does not bring knockdown shooting ability to a team that desperately needs it, but finding that with the players available at this spot is difficult. Still, this is an upgrade to their backcourt, given Culver’s ability to get inside for buckets and defend at a high level, which this roster also needs.
The Texas Tech product was a superior shooter his freshman year, but taking on a larger role without Zhaire Smith around caused his three-point number to rapidly decline. Maybe that was the reason, and Culver can regain his shooting stroke next to LeBron and the others.
However, will this pick stick with the Lakers? James’ window is ticking, and they need top names to fulfill his stint immediately. The fourth pick in a “weaker” draft potentially limits its value, but it would not be a surprise to see Rob Pelinka’s front office test what it can return.
Culver is a potential option for the New York Knicks at No. 3. They need two-way players, and if Barrett is not satisfactory for them, there are other talents to choose.