Another fit we’ve been excited about for weeks if not months, which The Athletic’s mock draft tabbed as well. However, The Athletic reported that Culver’s top-five status is far from a lock as teams grapple with how he will fare creating his shot against NBA defenders without a consistent jump shot or the ability to drive.
From reporter Sam Vecenie:
"“The fit here is too strong to pass up, but I will note that there continues to be some ambivalence to Culver among NBA executives, who question his athleticism and ability to become a true difference maker. I don’t think he falls out of the top-10 or anything, but his range right now is a bit wider than people would think.”"
That makes sense. Culver is a lock to be a decent two-way player, but you could reasonably convince us he falls anywhere between Andre Roberson and Khris Middleton and we would believe you. Certainly, Roberson (when healthy) still merits a first-round pick, but would you draft a guy like that in the top five? That depends on what you value you as a franchise and how confident you are in your ability to develop talent.
We know Atlanta is in need of defensive difference-makers, and Culver fits the bill. Lloyd Pierce and Travis Schlenk want to craft a modern, two-way roster, and right now they have a motley cru of offense-first youngsters. Culver would help change the identity of the team and raise its ceiling.