#8. Atlanta Hawks — Jarrett Culver
Finally, here it is. If Jarrett Culver out of Texas Tech is still on the board at #8 overall for the Atlanta Hawks, the 2019 NBA Draft will already be a huge success for the team – before even pondering their nearly consecutive pick at #10 overall.
Culver is a dynamic player that would make for a terrific fit on the Atlanta Hawks going forward. Previously, Culver has been mocked to the Hawks on multiple occasions, and with good reason – his blend of on-ball and off-ball skills as well as his defensive brilliance would help paper over multiple deficiencies on this Atlanta Hawks roster.
Though Culver’s jump shot will obviously be his swing skill, there’s no question that he dramatically improved from his freshman season and is able to create that shot at the drop of a hat – an extremely important skill in today’s NBA.
With a strong frame that looks as if it should fill out to perfection, Culver is an exceptional prospect with a relatively high floor combined with a stratospheric ceiling.
A very good passer with terrific all-around offensive feel, Culver was also the single best perimeter defender on a Texas Tech team that was tops in adjusted defensive efficiency per KenPom.
While unlikely, Culver falling to #8 overall would be an absolute steal for the Atlanta Hawks who would race up to the podium to select him in the 2019 NBA Draft.