Fansided

2019 NBA Mock Draft: When trades enter the equation

By Brendon Kleen

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 25: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court during the second half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Smoothie King Center on February 25, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Philadelphia 76ers won the game 111 - 110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 25: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court during the second half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Smoothie King Center on February 25, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Philadelphia 76ers won the game 111 - 110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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Jarrett Culver
ANAHEIM, CA – MARCH 28: Texas Tech guard Jarrett Culver (23) looks on during the NCAA Division I Men’s Championship Sweet Sixteen round basketball game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Michigan Wolverines on March 28, 2019 at Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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

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.

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