Bulls Draft Profile: Jarrett Culver
With an obvious lack of wing depth on the roster, the Bulls should consider selecting the 6′ 6″ shooting guard from Texas Tech.
Jarrett Culver had a great season for the Texas Tech Red Raiders in his freshman season. As the lead option, Culver led the way with 18.5 points per game on 46% shooting as well as 1.5 steals. He led his team to upsets over Michigan, Gonzaga, and Michigan State in the NCAA Tournament to advance to the Championship game. The Raiders would falter, however, it was quite an accomplishment to make it that far.
As a prospect, Culver is regarded as one of the best two-way players in the draft. He excelled in the NBA-Style defensive system run by Texas Tech with an 86.6 Defensive Rating (The number of points a player gives up per 100 possessions). That was 6th best amongst the entire NCAA, with only one of the prospects above him expected to be a first-round pick. Not only that, but Culver also led the entire league in Defensive Win Shares with 3.5.
For a Bulls team that struggled greatly on the defensive end, bringing in a talented wing who can both score and defend is a great fit. Due to his two-way ability, many believe Culver to have a very high ceiling at the next level. His great vision of the floor and ability to create space for his own shot are crucial abilities to possess in today’s NBA.
As with any young player, Culver is not without his flaws. He has been labeled as a streaky shooter. When he’s on fire, he won’t miss. But when he’s cold, he’s COLD. Many scouts also believe his lack of explosiveness could hurt him at the NBA level. Three-point shooting is a weakness that he can definitely improve on. He shot around 30% from the college-distance arc and will need to continue to work to provide that threat in the NBA.
Most of Culver’s weaknesses can be improved with hard work and dedication once in the league. His defensive prowess should be an extreme positive for the Chicago Bulls and their fans. With the bench wings consisting of an oft-injured Denzel Valentine and sophomore Chandler Hutchison, it would be a mistake for the Bulls to pass up Culver if he falls to them. Currently, he is projected to go at either 4 to the Lakers or 5 to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Although many fans tend to expect a top pick, especially after a year of tanking, to become a starter immediately, in reality, that isn’t the case. Culver could act almost as a 6th man in his rookie season, and if everything works out, he could eventually replace Otto Porter Jr. in the starting lineup at the end of his massive contract.
Culver isn’t the flashiest pick in the draft but has some of highest potential. That alone should warrant the Bulls drafting him if he falls to Luck Number 7.
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