Jarrett Culver has one of the most well-rounded offensive games in the 2019 draft class. But as the Texas Tech guard continues to emphasize, though, it's the other side of the ball that be believes most sets him apart from other high-level prospects.
After his pre-draft workout with the New York Knicks on Wednesday, Culver went out of his way to focus on what he will bring to the table defensively at the next level, calling himself an “elite” defender.
“Nowadays, it’s hard to find people who take pride in defense,” he said, per Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News. “But I’m one of them. I take pride in defense. Being at Texas Tech taught me a lot, so I feel like on the defensive side I’m elite.”
Culver made similar comments following his pre-draft workout with the Los Angeles Lakers last week. The Knicks hold the No. 3 pick in the draft, while the Lakers will select fourth. Though it's broadly believed that R.J. Barrett is destined for New York, both teams will undoubtedly continue giving consideration to Culver leading up to June 20th.
Culver averaged 18.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game for the Red Raiders in 2018-19, en route to winning Big 12 Player of the Year and being named a consensus Second-Team All-American. At 6-foot-6 with a wingspan just below 6-foot-9, he has the size to defend multiple positions, and showed good instincts on defense in college when committed, too.
Two-way wings have never been at more of a premium in the NBA. While Culver is somewhat overstating the defensive potential he showed in college, he certainly has the tools to develop into a solid defender at the very least, doubling as a secondary playmaker and spot-up shooter offensively.
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