2019 NBA Draft: Full Mock Draft 2.0, Atlanta Hawks Pick #4 and #10, Lakers Win Lottery
By Chris Guest
#8. New Orleans Pelicans – Jarrett Culver
It might seem rather shocking to see a vaunted prospect like Jarrett Culver fall down the 2019 NBA Draft board, but according to a recent mock by Sam Vecenie of The Athletic, teams are not quite as high on Culver as originally thought, and he falls in this mock due to that fact.
Culver still possess immense upside, and depending on how the Anthony Davis trade sweepstakes shake out, Culver could spearhead an immediate rebuild that might include various other young prospects from teams that are looking to make a move on a superstar like AD.
Culver’s brilliant defense (86.9 defensive rating in 18-19 per College Basketball Reference) and ability to create shots for himself and his teammates off the dribble (25.9 percent assist rate in his sophomore season) should prove to be a boon for a Pelicans team that will likely trade both AD and Jrue Holiday during this offseason (or at least regular season).
The Texas Tech Raiders had an exceptional season last year and were one De’Andre Hunter three-pointer shy of winning the national championship. Culver was a big reason why, and he can hopefully serve as the centerpiece of the rebuilding efforts in the New Orleans franchise.