NEWSLETTER
Texas Tech product and projected top-10 pick Jarett Culver has finished his pre-draft workouts with both the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks.
Next up, the Suns, Cavs, and … one team you like:
Jarrett Culver has now worked out for the Lakers and Knicks. Next are the Suns, Bulls and Cavaliers.
— Chris Iseman (@ChrisIseman) June 5, 2019
Culver has appeared in multiple mock drafts as a possible choice for the Bulls at pick No. 7. As recently as Monday, Sam Smith of NBA.com projected Culver to be going to the Bulls in his second mock draft. At this point, we have already talked about the 20-year-old several times in the past, but things are surely getting a bit more serious now that his workout with Bulls is right around the corner.
A pretty definitive shooting guard, Culver doesn’t exactly fit what the Bulls are looking for with Zach LaVine sitting in the starting lineup (and on a 4yr/ $78 million contract). However, Culver can certainly be a strong bench asset that can help lead the Bulls’ second unit. LaVine and Culver’s play style may not be all that similar, but the two do share the ability to control the pace of a game offensively. Culver has a strong mid-range game and plays a pretty mature all-around style of ball for a 20-year-old. He can work off the dribble pretty well and has the handles to make guys miss. Not to mention, Culver has also been praised for his defensive prowess, something that can be a bit of a rare find in today’s NBA.
Chances are whatever team comes up with Culver will not be too disappointed. His NBA ceiling may not be as high as a guy like Cam Reddish, but his floor isn’t nearly as low as other players either.
Personally, I see Culver as potentially having a similar start to his career as Josh Hart. The two both share that all-around gameplay, but the fact that neither specializes in anything can sometimes hold them back. However, with a focus on defense and getting to the basket, the two can turn into a great third option in a starting lineup. Considering Culver will only be 20-years-old when entering the league (Hart was 22), his growth potential is probably a bit greater.
I wouldn’t be surprised that if Culver’s workout goes well, he could move up to the No. 2 spot on the Bulls draft wish list behind a point guard like Coby White.
