Possibly the most intriguing player in this summer's NBA Draft is Texas Tech's Jarrett Culver.
The 6'5 guard is a definite lottery pick. His value has been as high as top-five, and as low as the 14th pick. Culver is a sophomore from Lubbock, Texas. He was a low-level prospect coming out of high school.
Culver ended his recruiting process by deciding to stay home and attend Texas Tech. He averaged 11.8 points and 4.8 rebounds during his freshman campaign. Culver decided to wait one more year to go pro, and it is paying off.
This season as a Red Raider, he is averaging 18.5 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 48.5% from the floor. Culver was held under 10 points just once this season. He led Texas Tech to a top-10 ranking in the AP Poll, and a three-seed in this year's NCAA Tournament.
Heading into the tournament, Culver is playing as well as anyone in the nation. He scored 31 points on 12-19 shooting in Texas Tech's season finale against Iowa State. The Red Raiders were upset by West Virginia in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament. Culver finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds in the loss. The Red Raiders will enter the tournament as one of the favorites thanks to their defense, and of course Culver.
This summer, there is no doubt that Culver will be walking up on stage to shake hands with Adam Silver.
The question remains, which team will take the Texas Tech product?
5. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks have been in full rebuild mode for awhile now. At least now they feel like they have a future.
The Hawks traded for Trae Young on draft night last summer. They feel like he is finally coming into his own, and has a bright future in the league. John Collins is also in Atlanta. There are visions of Young and Collins running a pick and roll in Hawks' uniforms for years to come.
Could they possibly add Culver to put on the wing in that pick and roll situation?
Atlanta will most likely have one of the top-five picks in the draft. If they want Culver, they will have to take him early. The luxury that they possess is having two picks that could end up in the top-10.
If Culver is wanted by the Hawks, they can land him in many ways.
4. Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles LeBron James' need help. There is no doubt that the Lakers are waiting for free agency to try and add either Anthony Davis or Kawhi Leonard to their squad. Klay Thompson might even be in the mix.
Free agency aside, the Lakers have young pieces. Kyle Kuzma has proven that he can score in this league. Josh Hart is a viable piece off the bench. Brandon Ingram just went down with an injury, but he has shown signs of being a solid player as well.
Where is Lonzo Ball on the list? Well, nothing is perfect.
Culver is shooting 35% from three-point range during his two seasons at Texas Tech. James likes to have shooters on the outside to kick the ball out to after a strong drive down the lane. Culver fits that bill.
An offseason of Davis or Leonard paired with Culver in the draft would make people very happy in Los Angeles.
3. Orlando Magic
It seems like no matter how many lottery picks the Magic have, they refuse to be relevant.
This season they have a chance to finish around .500, but they are never a playoff threat. Orlando has an interesting group of “star” players mixed with questionable lottery picks. Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic are the better players on the team.
They are teamed up with lottery picks like Mo Bamba, Jonathan Isaac, and recently acquired Markelle Fultz. So why not add another?
The Magic will be near the bottom of lottery. It is uncertain if Culver will fall that far, but the Magic are in desperate need of a player that can change their culture.
Culver is a winning player whose skill set will transfer nicely to the NBA. He would be a steal for the Magic.
2. Washington Wizards
It is clear that the John Wall and Bradley Beal experiment is not working in D.C.
If making it to the playoffs is the goal, they have been successful. If they want to win, it has been a huge disappointment.
The Wizards have made the playoffs in four of the previous five seasons. In those appearances, they have three second-round losses and a first-round exit.
The Wizards are desperate for a culture change. Rumors have circulated about possibility trading Wall, however, the management has no intention of moving the all-star point guard.
Whatever their plan is, it would not be the worst thing for Washington to add a solid piece like Culver.
1. New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans do not have a bad group of players. They won 48 games just a year ago, and were kncoked out in the second round of the playoffs.
Their issue this season was that they were dragged into the soap opera in Los Angeles. It is predetermined that Davis will not be returning to New Orleans. He has expressed his desire to be traded, and that will happen in the off season.
For the Pelicans, they must continue to move forward.
New Orleans features a strong forward in Julius Randle. Jahlil Okafor has completely rejuvenated his career as a Pelican. Culver would be the perfect two guard to pair with Jrue Holiday in the backcourt.
Losing Davis will be a blow. It is hard to replace one of the top players in the NBA. The fact remains that it will not be done with one guy. They need to piece players together to get to where they want to be.
Culver is one of those pieces that could be extremely invaluable. The Pelicans will most likely pick in the top-10 of this summer's draft.
If Culver is on the board when they pick, do not be surprised if he makes the move from Lubbock to New Orleans.
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