2019 NBA Draft: 5 Reasons Atlanta Hawks Should Trade Up For Jarrett Culver

Measurables & Tools

Culver participated in the 2019 NBA Draft Combine, where some of his measurements were eye-opening. Despite being listed on various outlets as being 6-foot-5, Culver actually measured out at 6-foot-6¾, showcasing the fact that this young man might still be growing into his body – which should lead the Atlanta Hawks (and all teams selecting in the lottery of the 2019 NBA Draft) to believe that Culver might grow still more as he ages.

Culver lacks the burst and agility laterally to truly engage with quicker guards when he switches onto them, but Culver does hold immense strength and terrific body control – which he uses to slide his feet and leverage that strength on both ends.

With a 6-foot-8¼ wingspan, Culver is able to use his below-average vertical explosion in concert with that length to finish lobs with relative ease. Again, when combined with soft touch and great hands, Culver will likely be the beneficiary of many terrific passes from Ice Trae and others.

Culver has a fairly solid handle, and his herky-jerky style of play will likely serve as a change of pace were the Atlanta Hawks to trade up for him in the 2019 NBA Draft. Where Trae Young and Kevin Huerter play a more fluid style and John Collins is one of the premier vertical threats in the NBA, Culver will likely serve as a catch-and-shoot threat or secondary attacker with terrific passing vision – a role that Taurean Prince was simply not able to play last season with the Hawks.