2019 NBA Mock Draft: The Boston Celtics clean up

Culver continues to stand out as one of the only consistent offensive options for Texas Tech in what has clearly become a rebound year for the Red Raiders. He quickly turned from a floor spacer and defensive weapon into a primary initiator for coach Chris Beard as a sophomore and hasn’t looked back.

Perhaps most shocking about Culver’s rapid progress and his ability to efficiently handle the increased opportunity is his shooting efficiency. Culver is shooting 50 percent from the field despite taking four more shots per game than last season and the team’s offense is seven points better per 100 possessions when he is on the court, rising from the 150th best unit to a group resembling North Carolina’s dynamic scoring machine.

Yet there are clear issues. Namely, Culver is not an impressive athlete and has failed to cut his turnovers down while taking on added responsibility for Beard and Texas Tech. As Ben Rubin notes by breaking down the numbers, that limits his range of outcomes. He likely won’t reach the level of raw athletes turned All-Stars like Paul George or Kawhi Leonard, or of incredible secondary playmakers such as DeMar DeRozan or Brandon Roy. More likely are bigger tertiary playmakers, a still solid list that includes winning players like Khris Middleton, Chandler Parsons or even Evan Turner.

While that’s not as incredible as his rapid progress might lead you to believe he might be, Washington grabbing another capable playmaker and a solid defender in a down season would be tremendous. After shipping out Kelly Oubre and Otto Porter, the Wizards need more depth on the wing. Culver is a nontraditional option there that could really help John Wall and Bradley Beal.