Los Angeles Lakers: 5 options for pick No. 4 in 2019 NBA Draft
1. Jarrett Culver
Any fan of college basketball who tuned into this year’s NCAA Tournament is familiar with Jarrett Culver, one of the nation’s best players who led his Red Raiders squad all the way to the title game and a tight loss to the Virginia Cavaliers. To produce the narrative that Culver is getting an incorrect tournament boost would be to ignore the season-long breakout he had.
Defensively Culver was as advertised, able to lock onto opposing guards and cause a number of impact plays with steals and deflections. At the NBA level he should be able to guard anyone in the opposing backcourt and will only get better as he gains reps.
Offensively, Culver can create and score at all three levels, willing to take a tough shot or move the ball to an open teammates. While he has a strong handle and can make passes, Culver is miscast as a team’s lead ball-handler. On a team such as Los Angeles, he wouldn’t have to be “the guy” but could contribute in major ways.
The Lakers need tough defenders first of all, and Culver is exactly that. New head coach Frank Vogel would love a player such as Culver. If he can tweak his shot, he should have the ability to be a solid shooter from outside, enough to encourage closeouts that he can attack with gusto.
James loves smart teammates, and Culver checks that box. He needs a player who can hit open shots off-the-catch but also create offense when he wants a play off. Culver checks that box. James needs a player who is disruptive defensively, generating transition opportunities in which he thrives. Check. Finally he needs players who can hold up on defense and allow him to guard a less threatening player and roam as the free safety. Check again.
Next. Winners and losers of the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery. dark
Culver is a player well worth considering in the top five, and he looks like a perfect fit for the Lakers in a number of ways. He would combine effort with talent to make a difference from day one. Whether the Lakers decide to keep their pick or package it for another player, Culver is a player they should strongly consider with the fourth overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft.