2019 NBA Draft: Updated lottery Big Board for the new year

5. Ja Morant, Murray State

Similar to Porter, Ja Morant’s seen his stock skyrocket this season. Previously a fringe first round guy, Morant has vaulted himself into top-five and possibly top-five conversation, as there’s no clear-cut third option so far.

Morant is explosive, physical and competitive, having improved greatly over his already-intriguing freshman season. He can get to any spot he wants on the court with his speed and fluidity, attacking the basket to either dish out the ball (9.6 assists per game) or score at the basket (62.5 percent on 2-point field goals).

His shot needs to become more consistent and as a lead ball-handler he should cut back on the turnovers, but he affects the game in so many ways. If he keeps this up for the rest of the season, Morant will clearly establish himself as the No. 1 point guard prospect in college basketball.

4. Cam Reddish, Duke

Entering the season as the second- or third-best prospect in the nation, Cam Reddish has become one of the hardest players to read. He has become the third-wheel behind R.J. Barrett and Zion Williamson, occasionally becoming the fourth when Tre Jones is dominating.

With his fluid scoring abilities, impressive 3-point stroke and build, few players have a higher ceiling. Reddish impressed with his passing earlier in his career, but has expectedly had the ball taken out of his hands in place of Barrett and Jones. At times, he’s been relegated to more of a spot-up shooter, and has struggled to create separation when going one-on-one looking for his own shot.

Reddish has not played to the level of a top-three pick this season, but his struggles can be credited to lack of opportunities playing next to the top-two prospects in the country. He is such a smooth and talented player that it shouldn’t take much for a team to be sold on him come draft day.

3. Jarrett Culver, Texas Tech

There’s a very large chance Jarrett Culver is not the third-best prospect in this draft, but for the time being, the door is wide open for the third spot. Few have done more to prove they deserve this spot, as Culver has built upon his successful freshman year to place Texas Tech as one of the top teams in the country.

He has always been great, both quick and physical enough to guard multiple positions and bully opposing players. He has decent size at 6’5″ but could stand to gain some muscle at 190 pounds.

Culver’s offense has improved by leaps and bounds this season. Every aspect of his shooting has improved, he can attack a close-out, he’s more than doubled his assist rate from last year, and he’s increased his free throw rate. Like most prospects, his decision-making can use some improvement, but his great two-way performances and consistent improvement makes this third spot his to lose.