Lakers Rumors: Is Jarrett Culver the answer for the Lakers at No. 4?

Jarrett Culver’s growth can be broken down in many aspects

Jarrett Culver really shot up the mock drafts with his coming out party in March, leading his Texas Tech Red Raiders to the National Title game. Culver showed some of his many strengths that has the NBA teams intrigued.

But the national title game showed Culver’s weaknesses that makes him a potential risk the closer he gets to the 3rd pick in the draft.

He showed throughout the NCAA’s that he is a smooth operator getting to the basket and finishing at the rim. He has playmaking abilities to make his teammates better. Plus, his calling card is playing strong defense.

Then we get to the final game. That’s where Culver was exposed. The Cavaliers bothered Culver by being physical and loading up bodies to go at him. Led by another potential Lakers draft pick, De’Andre Hunter, Culver had a rough shooting night only shooting 5-of-22 from the field from the game.

But the unknown part of his game is his growth. In size and his game. Coming into college he was listed at 6’5″, 195 pounds. Now it is evident that he has grown in size and may sneak in a few more inches before he is done.

Also, his game has grown as well at Texas Tech. He averaged 11 points per game as a freshman and that total ballooned to 18 points per game last year. He was considered as one of the most improved players in the country as his offensive game began to catch up with his willingness to play defense.

There were times that Culver was called on to defend the best player on the opposing team. On a team with a defensive identity, you understand how talented a defensive player he is.

Texas Tech definitely played a style that prepared Culver for the next level. He was used at the wing, power forward and center spot at times. What this will do is help Jarrett Culver adjust to playing defensive schemes that require constant switching. Something that is mandatory for any NBA team that wants to contend for deep playoff runs and championships.