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2019 NBA Mock Draft: March is here

By Brendon Kleen

SYRACUSE, NY - MARCH 04: De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Virginia Cavaliers celebrates a teammate's three point basket during the second half against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome on March 4, 2019 in Syracuse, New York. Virginia defeats Syracuse 79-53. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY - MARCH 04: De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Virginia Cavaliers celebrates a teammate's three point basket during the second half against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome on March 4, 2019 in Syracuse, New York. Virginia defeats Syracuse 79-53. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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AMES, IA – MARCH 9: Jarrett Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders takes a shot as Nick Weiler-Babb #1 of the Iowa State Cyclones blocks in the first half of play at Hilton Coliseum on March 9, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Texas Tech Red Raiders won 80-73 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA – MARCH 9: Jarrett Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders takes a shot as Nick Weiler-Babb #1 of the Iowa State Cyclones blocks in the first half of play at Hilton Coliseum on March 9, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Texas Tech Red Raiders won 80-73 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images) /

125. . G/F. Texas Tech. Jarrett Culver. 5. player

Culver has the chance to become the prospect outside of Zion Williamson who brings the smallest distance between his floor and ceiling. Many draftniks online will make the case that Brandon Clarke is an even better candidate for this distinction, but Culver’s wing playmaker archetype separates him in our eyes. The Hawks earn the prize of the best-drafting rebuilding team and therefore it only feels right they will nab Culver.

Yet the sophomore will have even more to prove in the NCAA tournament. Looming matchups against solid defenses like Buffalo, Florida, Michigan or Gonzaga all pose interesting and diverse challenges for the Red Raiders’ leader. It also wouldn’t hurt to see his streaky shooting solidify a little bit against better competition. NBA teams will feel even better about Culver as a prospect if they see shots go in at big moments for him.

The line Culver put up against West Virginia in the Big 12 tournament is the recipe for how to crumple Texas Tech’s offense. Culver had to put up 24 shots to get his 26 points, he missed all six 3s, and he had as many turnovers as assists. Teams in the NCAA tournament should stay home on the Red Raiders’ shooters and force Culver to make plays around the basket. He struggles against good rim protection.

Culver doesn’t look anything like Kemba Walker but maybe we’re discounting him as the type of do-it-all offensive player who can turn into a legend during March Madness.

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