2019 NBA Mock Draft: No one in the lottery wants to lose

The more we watch Culver, the more he looks like the best defensive wing prospect in this draft class. As the modern NBA continues to emphasize shooting, pace and ball movement, players like Culver who can defend multiple positions at an elite level are increasingly rare and increasingly valuable.

But diving into his performance Monday against Texas, it’s clear Culver is making progress on offense as well. Last year, he was nothing more than a spot-up shooter and occasional transition finisher as Keenan Evans and Zhaire Smith handled more responsibility. But for this year’s No. 8-ranked Texas Tech squad, Culver is everywhere.

According to Synergy, Culver is in the 68th percentile for basket cuts in the country, scoring 1.4 points per possession on those opportunities. Combine that scoring efficiency and ability to get open with Culver’s improved passing vision and you’re looking at a tremendous off-ball offensive talent.

When Culver does have the ball in his hands, as seen above, he is getting better finishing through contact with either hand. The lefty finish high off the glass in this clip is a great example of Culver’s in-season growth this year and what will make him valuable in the NBA. He won’t need the ball to be effective if he can continue to develop as a cutter, finisher and passer.

A lot of credit needs to go to coach Chris Beard as quietly, many of the secondary skills Culver added to his game this year are reminiscent of what made the more athletic Smith the No. 16 pick out of nowhere last season.