The 2019 NBA Draft promises to be one of the most intriguing in history. While much of the focus in the buildup continues to be around Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans, there are a number of players that have been projected all over multiple mock draft boards.
One such player whose stock has risen considerably since the NBA Draft Scouting Combine in Chicago is former Texas Tech standout Jarrett Culver. The sophomore wingman is rather slender for his size (6'6,” 195 pounds), but his 6'10” wingspan has gotten the attention of teams picking in the top five.
Sporting News recently reported that teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers would likely have drafted Culver with the second overall pick had they landed in the top two, and rumors are circulating that the New York Knicks are still considering Culver with the third pick.
While most analysts still pin the Knicks to draft Duke superstar R.J. Barrett with the third pick, Culver's undeniable rise cannot be overlooked. After all, nearly every other lottery talent has seen their stock fluctuate, why should the top five or top ten prove to be any different?
Still, Knicks fans are thirsting for a player that can galvanize the franchise with their potential star power and marketability. And although Culver is a tremendous player with a multi-faceted skill set, the Knicks would likely be making a mistake if they decided to select him over Barrett.
Here are three reasons why drafting Jarrett Culver at the no. 3 spot would be a critical mistake:
3. Knicks need a bona fide scorer
This is not to say that Culver cannot score the ball. After all, he averaged 18.5 points and can use his length and athleticism to get to the basket. But Culver is not the same kind of natural scorer that Barrett proved to be in his freshman season at Duke.
Barrett averaged close to 23 points and has shown that he can score in every way possible. Although he shot barely over 30 percent from beyond the arc, he projects fairly well as a shooter in the league with more spacing and options in the wing.
He also has a stronger handle than Culver, and was excellent in his ability to work in the pick-and-roll and adapt to opposing defenses. Even when Williamson missed time due to injury and defenses keyed in on Barrett, he found a way to fill it up. Sometimes it is rather awkward, but Barrett's superb body control and strength allow him to finish from anywhere.
The Knicks really do not have a lot of guys that can go get a bucket, especially after trading away Kristaps Porzingis and relying on guys like Kevin Knox and Emmanuel Mudiay to carry the offense.
While Culver can make plays offensively, Barrett would relieve more pressure off of New York's other youngsters and take on more responsibility to score.
2. Not a shot creator
On a similar note, Culver is not the best at getting his own shot off the bounce or against more physical defenders.
He struggled immensely against De'Andre Hunter in the national championship game, mostly because Hunter used his physicality and quickness to stay with Culver nearly every time he was on the ball.
Because he is not the best ball handler, Culver had to rely on his length and positioning. But will that translate in the NBA, where everyone is bigger and stronger?
Alternatively, Barrett showed the ability to work through double teams and create for himself throughout the collegiate season.
Texas Tech was also more of a half-court offense, and given their personnel, the Knicks are more likely to play up-tempo and look to get out in transition so athletic guys like Dennis Smith Jr. can make plays in the open court. Barrett excelled in this area, as Duke was at their very best when they forced turnovers and scored going the other way.
Whether in the open floor or in half-court sets, Barrett is the more proven playmaker from a scoring standpoint, and would likely serve New York better in this regard.
1. Marketability
As redundant as it sounds, a large part of the allure of playing in New York resides in the large market and star power potential that is only possible when playing in The Mecca.
Culver is simply not as attractive from a “superstar” perspective as Barrett, who (as a Canadian native) also has international appeal.
The Knicks not only need an impact player to step in and produce from the jump, but they also need a player that might attract top free agents to the Big Apple.
And again, Barrett is the higher profile player, and likely would have more influence in swaying guys like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving or others to come play for the Knicks.
So while Culver certainly has the talent to be a top pick in the draft, the Knicks would be making a mistake if they took him over R.J. Barrett.
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