2019 NBA Draft Prep

[Jamaaliver]

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3. Jarrett Culver, SG, Texas Tech | Sophomore

Height: 6’6” | Weight: 195 | Age: 20 | Last Rank: 7

Although in a better draft Culver likely wouldn’t be flirting with a top-five selection, that’s not really a knock on what he’s done, lifting Texas Tech to another strong season as the team’s primary offensive conduit. Culver has improved at an impressive rate over the past year, and presents some level of security as an intuitive, well-rounded guard with size and ball skills. While he doesn’t jump off the page as an athlete, his overall floor game is sound, and his ability to facilitate and knock down set shots at his size offers clear appeal. Culver may not be elite in any one area, but his feel stands out on offense, he’s done a good job with very few weapons around him to shoulder the load this season, and will not need to be a primary ball-handler in the NBA. He may not be a star, but has a chance to be a very positive contributor. You can argue he has a stronger value floor at No. 3 than the players listed after him.


5. Cam Reddish, G/F, Duke | Freshman

Height: 6'8" | Weight: 220 | Age: 19 | Last Rank: 4

Only so much benefit of the doubt can be afforded with Reddish at this point, over the course of a season in which he has more often than not looked somewhat ordinary. While he has clearly flashed NBA ability on an ongoing basis, he’s scarcely been a true difference-maker for Duke, often functioning as more of a side dish as Williamson and Barrett carry the load. None of this has been a total surprise, but it has been disappointing, particularly with his struggles finishing in the paint and subsequent over-reliance on a streaky pull-up game. His size, ability to move the ball and hit open shots, and potential defensive versatility are still strengths, and his skill set fits neatly into the modern NBA. Still, to this point in his career, he’s mostly been a tease. Reddish passes the eye test as well as anyone, but his inconsistencies continue to spark doubt.


11. Sekou Doumbouya, PF, Limoges

Height: 6'8" | Weight: 230 | Age: 18 | Last Rank: 12

As the draft draws closer, there should be real opportunity for Doumbouya to move up from here, noting how underwhelmed the majority of scouts seem to be with the caliber of the American lottery. He should impress in workouts, and has come on a bit lately during club season after a thumb injury kept him out for all of January. His tools, shooting potential, and long-term role fit as a skilled four-man are all still intriguing, and it’s key to remember that with his December birthday, he is expected to be the youngest player drafted. Teams who can afford to invest some time in a long-term project will continue to track Doumbouya closely, and his skill set makes a lot of sense within a modern frontcourt. It won’t be a surprise if he ends up in the top ten.

[Hazer]

7+ footer with foot issues scares me away from Bol, Porter’s “Family-of-Glass” genetics (see his bro’s back issues, and his 2 sisters are “medically retired” from basketball due to knee issues) scares me away from Jontay. But he’s very much a Schlenk type prospect.

[Spud2nique]

I’m sorry Supes your comparison of Culver to Evan Turner isn’t sitting well with me. I’m having a hard time understanding how the are similar. Now, Troy Brown jr. from last year’s draft had a lot of Evan Turner but I’m really having a hard time seeing this comparison. Please advise.

[Jamaaliver]

The biggest risers on SI's latest Big Board:

8. Coby White, G, North Carolina | Freshman

Height: 6’5” | Weight: 185 | Age: 19 | Last Rank: 16

White has built a legitimate case as North Carolina’s best long-term prospect with his ability to shoot from deep and a developing off-dribble game. He has been a nice surprise, and on his hot-shooting nights, his appeal as a scoring guard with size who can play on or off the ball is readily apparent. He’s a natural two who continues to learn the nuances of running a team, but realistically, he’ll be more of an NBA combo who is primarily valued for his shot-making ability. White is probably a couple years away from being a stable part of an NBA rotation, but his potential on both sides of the floor has generated enough intrigue to view him as a worthy late-lottery candidate. As teams grasp for talent atop the draft, a strong finish to the season would be a boon for his overall stock.

16. Goga Bitadze, C, KK Buducnost

Height: 6'11" | Weight: 245 | Age: 19 | Last Rank: 25

Bitadze drew interest as high as the late first round last season but opted to stay overseas, and has continued to impress as a highly productive pro at his age. As a result, there’s a fairly safe production floor that comes attached with him, and for teams who favor skilled bigs, he should be a focus going into the spring. Bitadze is more of a traditional five, but he’s had an extremely strong year in Europe and will be in good position to maximize his stock. Bitadze is a pretty natural scorer around the basket, capable passer and strong shot-blocker, moves his feet fairly well for his size, and continues to make a very strong first-round case.

[Jamaaliver]

Cont.^

17. P.J. Washington, PF, Kentucky | Sophomore

Height: 6'7" | Weight: 230 | Age: 20 | Last Rank: 22

Washington is playing the most consistently productive ball of his career at the moment, and while he’s not a huge upside guy, it’s pretty clear his base set of skills make sense together when projecting forward. He’s mobile, bouncy, and his rebounding, passing and defensive positioning enable him to impact games even when he’s not scoring. Washington has always been a sound finisher, and his jump shot continues to improve—his three-point range has looked more convincing of late, as well. From a role-player perspective, he has a lot to offer. He can continue to help himself with a strong showing in March.



18. Bruno Fernando, C, Maryland | Sophomore

Height: 6'10" | Weight: 235 | Age: 20 | Last Rank: 29

It’s been a banner year for Fernando’s growth, and even with Maryland’s inconsistencies, it’s never been more apparent that his physical ability, motor and intangibles create a degree of long-term NBA floor for him. He should be ready to log some minutes right away, and fit into a less-demanding offensive role that better suits him. Many of the immediate concerns with Fernando’s game stem from occasionally stiff post-up play and turnover issues, but realistically, he’s not a guy you’ll want to run things through at the next level anyway. If you think of him as Diet Clint Capela, running the floor, finishing and protecting the basket and moving his feet effectively in space, his NBA fit is obvious. He has looked the part of a first-rounder.


19. Tyler Herro, SG, Kentucky | Freshman

Height: 6’5” | Weight: 195 | Age: 19 | Last Rank: 27

Kentucky’s improved play has been a good platform for Herro to showcase his skillset, and he’s taken advantage. His ability to make difficult shots from deep and playmake a little on the side has always been endearing, and he plays with a bit more toughness than is generally advertised. Herro has cut back a bit on his tendency to overdribble, and profiles as a potentially dangerous supporting scorer on the perimeter. His body type doesn’t have much appeal from an NBA standpoint, but his overall defensive effort has been encouraging, and there have been games where he looks like his team’s best prospect. He’s more or less established himself as a first-rounder at this point.

[Hazer]

Going ahead and trusting my gut here and making my official prediction (will create a new thread based on it as draft gets closer): Hawks finish season 5th, ping pong balls bounce us up to 3rd, we pick RJ Barrett. Dallas finishes 6th, bounce to 7th, we pick Jarrett Culver. Trade Gaze or Printz and a couple 2nds for a late teens/low 20s 1st and take a flyer on Jontay Porter’s knees holding up. Book it

[Jamaaliver]

Anyone know much about this guy? Is this the Draymond clone we've been looking for?

Eric Paschall, PF, Villanova | Senior

Height: 6’8” | Weight: 255 | Age: 22 | Last Rank: 46

Teams are extremely familiar with Paschall’s strengths and limitations by now: he played a complementary role last year as Villanova rolled to an NCAA championship, and has adapted to a more prominent scoring load this season. While his NBA tasks will be closer to the former, his ability to knock down shots from outside, rebound and defend inside and out will be attractive to teams who favor versatile, floor-spacing bigs. His lack of great height poses a challenge, and he won’t create a ton of offense for himself, but Paschall should be comfortable sliding in as a low-usage option who contributes in several ways. His upside isn’t great, but he could potentially help a team early in his career.

SI.com

[King Ken]

I’m sorry Supes your comparison of Culver to Evan Turner isn’t sitting well with me. I’m having a hard time understanding how the are similar. Now, Troy Brown jr. from last year’s draft had a lot of Evan Turner but I’m really having a hard time seeing this comparison. Please advise.

Explain why? I'll get to Culver this weekend but why do you feel Turner is a bad comparison for Culver?

[Ball4life32]

Going ahead and trusting my gut here and making my official prediction (will create a new thread based on it as draft gets closer): Hawks finish season 5th, ping pong balls bounce us up to 3rd, we pick RJ Barrett. Dallas finishes 6th, bounce to 7th, we pick Jarrett Culver. Trade Gaze or Printz and a couple 2nds for a late teens/low 20s 1st and take a flyer on Jontay Porter’s knees holding up. Book it

And whats our lineup if that happens? Don’t think both fit well for what we already have.

[kg01]

I’m sorry Supes your comparison of Culver to Evan Turner isn’t sitting well with me. I’m having a hard time understanding how the are similar. Now, Troy Brown jr. from last year’s draft had a lot of Evan Turner but I’m really having a hard time seeing this comparison. Please advise.

Explain why? I'll get to Culver this weekend but why do you feel Turner is a bad comparison for Culver?

I won't speak for spud but I just cringe at any comp to *shudders* Evan Turner.

However, I have to remember back to his college days. Turner was a beast at OhioSt so perhaps your comp isn't as insulting as it sounds at first blush.

[Hazer]

Going ahead and trusting my gut here and making my official prediction (will create a new thread based on it as draft gets closer): Hawks finish season 5th, ping pong balls bounce us up to 3rd, we pick RJ Barrett. Dallas finishes 6th, bounce to 7th, we pick Jarrett Culver. Trade Gaze or Printz and a couple 2nds for a late teens/low 20s 1st and take a flyer on Jontay Porter’s knees holding up. Book it

And whats our lineup if that happens? Don’t think both fit well for what we already have.

Young/Vet/Adams
Huerter/Barrett/Culver
StarFA/Huerter/Bembry
Collins/Spellman/Carter
Vet/Len/Porter

[Jamaaliver]

Going ahead and trusting my gut here and making my official prediction (will create a new thread based on it as draft gets closer): Hawks finish season 5th, ping pong balls bounce us up to 3rd, we pick RJ Barrett. Dallas finishes 6th, bounce to 7th, we pick Jarrett Culver. Trade Gaze or Printz and a couple 2nds for a late teens/low 20s 1st and take a flyer on Jontay Porter’s knees holding up. Book it

And whats our lineup if that happens? Don’t think both fit well for what we already have.

Young/Vet/Adams
Huerter/Barrett/Culver
StarFA/Huerter/Bembry
Collins/Spellman/Carter
Vet/Len/Porter

^I think it's too soon to start trying to build a roster around the pieces here.

Trae and Collins are clearly keepers. But everyone else are (and should be) in play to build the perfect squad.

And RJ Barrett, given his ability to stuff a stat sheet, should be immensely trade-able over the next few years.
Same goes for Jarrett Culver.
...and for Kevin Huerter.

[observer1995]

Culver the SF at 33-35% 3-point shooting and 75-78% FT interests me. Culver the SG at a lower shooting percentage and lower FT percentage doesn’t.

He’s the one with most to gain from the combine. Most think he’s between 6’6”-6’7” because he looks big and plays big. If he’s truly that and you think you can help him continue correcting his shot, then I’m interested. If he’s not then I’m probably not interested.

And yes, Evan Turner was a beast in college.

[Hazer]

And whats our lineup if that happens? Don’t think both fit well for what we already have.

Young/Vet/Adams
Huerter/Barrett/Culver
StarFA/Huerter/Bembry
Collins/Spellman/Carter
Vet/Len/Porter

^I think it's too soon to start trying to build a roster around the pieces here.

Trae and Collins are clearly keepers. But everyone else are (and should be) in play to build the perfect squad.

And RJ Barrett, given his ability to stuff a stat sheet, should be immensely trade-able over the next few years.
Same goes for Jarrett Culver.
...and for Kevin Huerter.

Precisely why you don’t see Bazemore, Prince, Dedmon, etc on my list. CLP calls Bembry a Swiss-Army knife, teams need those so he may hang around. CLP said we’d love to have Carter back, Carter said he’s playing another year. And so forth, thus my list. But I don’t disagree: Huerter/Barrett/Culver will probably all develop into valuable “assets” who could be moved in a deal at a future date. Trae and Collins will be our homegrown stars, I’m “guessing” we may sign one at SF (KD chatter, Leonard available, etc), and Huerter/RJ/Culver could be traded for another one if none develop into All-Stars.

[Hazer]

Going ahead and trusting my gut here and making my official prediction (will create a new thread based on it as draft gets closer): Hawks finish season 5th, ping pong balls bounce us up to 3rd, we pick RJ Barrett. Dallas finishes 6th, bounce to 7th, we pick Jarrett Culver. Trade Gaze or Printz and a couple 2nds for a late teens/low 20s 1st and take a flyer on Jontay Porter’s knees holding up. Book it

And whats our lineup if that happens? Don’t think both fit well for what we already have.

Young/Vet/Adams
Huerter/Barrett/Culver
StarFA/Huerter/Bembry
Collins/Spellman/Carter
Vet/Len/Porter

Word is Culver is taller than his listed 6’6” and is still growing, he looks more 6’7” and may end up 6’8”. If so, he could play SF for Hawks:

Young/Vet/Bembry
Huerter-RJ (interchangeable starting)/Bembry
StarFA/Culver/Bembry
Collins/Spellman/Carter
Vet/Len/Porter

[Hazer]

Also wouldn’t hate Cam Reddish with Hawks pick, Hunter with Mavs’ pick, and 1 of Bol/Hayes/Fernando via an acquired draft-night trade for pick.

[King Ken]

I’m sorry Supes your comparison of Culver to Evan Turner isn’t sitting well with me. I’m having a hard time understanding how the are similar. Now, Troy Brown jr. from last year’s draft had a lot of Evan Turner but I’m really having a hard time seeing this comparison. Please advise.

Explain why? I'll get to Culver this weekend but why do you feel Turner is a bad comparison for Culver?

I won't speak for spud but I just cringe at any comp to *shudders* Evan Turner.

However, I have to remember back to his college days. Turner was a beast at OhioSt so perhaps your comp isn't as insulting as it sounds at first blush.

Turner was the best player in the NCAA during his Sophomore year. He was a beast. Culver is a beast and a top 3-5 player in the NCAA. The issue with those two is the lack of burst, shot creation and explosiveness around the rim. If he could shoot and dribble it at a high level, you could be looking at a Joe Johnson type but like Evan, he is a below average shooter and is more of a mid range specialist which doesn't work in today's NBA. Athleticism is critical on the perimeter.

[Spud2nique]

I’m sorry Supes your comparison of Culver to Evan Turner isn’t sitting well with me. I’m having a hard time understanding how the are similar. Now, Troy Brown jr. from last year’s draft had a lot of Evan Turner but I’m really having a hard time seeing this comparison. Please advise.

Explain why? I'll get to Culver this weekend but why do you feel Turner is a bad comparison for Culver?

Well, what I see with Culver is a guy that plays with purpose, whether it’s to pass, dribble or shoot I feel like he makes the right plays based on high BBIQ. To me, Turner doesn’t have that now nor did he back in college. I wouldn’t say Turner has an great BBIQ, matter of fact it’s somewhat poor for a guard. Now, they both have quirky shots, Turner’s is downright ugly if I may, whereas Culver just has a mini Lonzo Ball sweep of the ball from his rights hip to his left as he goes up for the shot. I think a shooting coach can eliminate that hesitation and make hit more of a single movement shooter thus resulting in better form and results (like Huerter). Culver has three point range than Evan does not which sets up everything else. He shot 38% I believe from distance last year.

Again, I still prefer Cam but this guy to me is a tad more humble and might equate into more of a gym rat type. (Like Trae). Practice and work might be the difference in a bunch of guys will similar traits.

[personanongrata]

I think we should take a closer look at Bol Bol. He has some intriguing tools for a 7'2'' player. I know the foot thing is worrisome but man is he a unique prospect. Much more skilled than Bamba.

[Jamaaliver]

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