2019 NBA Mock Draft: Tankers beware

The best evidence that Culver is still an unknown is that he has almost no highlights whatsoever on YouTube, despite playing a sizable role in Texas Tech’s rise to prominence in coach Chris Beard’s second season in Lubbock. Teams will be aware of Culver next season.

It’s somewhat surprising that Culver’s fellow freshman, Zhaire Smith, saw enough eyeballs with the Red Raiders that he went 16th, but Culver wasn’t getting enough attention to stay in the draft. I believe that if he had gone through the combine and workout process, his athleticism and intelligence would have stood out and pushed him into the first round.

With a block rate of 3.3 percent, a steal rate of 2.4 percent and smart team defensive instincts, Culver is Smith-like in his production. There’s something in the water at Texas Tech.

In addition to the defensive stats, Culver made 38 percent of his 144 3-point attempts. Most of those were spot-up attempts from the corner, and Culver made just 65 percent of his free throws, so it’s tough to know exactly what he’ll be as a shooter in the NBA.

Culver has his work cut out — help Texas Tech stay competitive, maintain his defensive production, and improve as a shooter.