Atlanta Hawks: Mock Draft at the Halfway Point of 2018-19 Season
By Chris Guest
#5. Jarrett Culver, Texas Tech
Because the Atlanta Hawks have been winning so much of late, they have decreased their odds to land a top 4 pick. Though, of course, in the end it’s pure chance, but for the purpose of this piece, let’s assume the Hawks stay right where they are at #5 overall.
That’s still a plum spot in the draft order, as there is a strong group of prospects beyond the consensus #1 overall – Zion Williamson. In this mock, the Atlanta Hawks will select Jarrett Culver out of Texas Tech with the 5th overall pick.
Though a sophomore, Culver will only be 20 for half of his rookie season, so he definitely fits into the time line that the Atlanta Hawks are trying to create for themselves with a surplus of young talent.
Culver acquitted himself well against the juggernaut Duke Blue Devils in late December, notching the Red Raiders first 2 points of the evening on a thunderous dunk in traffic. Overall, Culver displayed great touch around the basket, a fluid jumper, terrific athleticism and great size and speed on defense.
On the season, Culver is shooting 37.7 percent from long range, a sky-high 59.5 percent from the field and sub-70 percent from the line. Per-40 minutes, Culver’s numbers are striking: 24.4 PPG, 9 RPG, 5 APG and 1.1 SPG. Though his defensive counting stats are down from his freshman year, Culver is shouldering much more of the offensive load in his sophomore season.
Beyond that, Culver has the size and athleticism to be able to switch across four positions easily, perhaps even across all five in small-ball lineups.
Though the main prizes in this draft are the Duke Big 3 of Zion, R.J. Barrett and Cameron Reddish, Culver would be an excellent consolation prize should the Atlanta Hawks continue to win at a surprising pace.
Other Options: Nassir Little, Romeo Langford, Cam Reddish