Lakers Rumors: Is Jarrett Culver the answer for the Lakers at No. 4?
By Ronald Agers
Jarrett Culver likes the DeMar DeRozan comparison but there are a few more
College players are always compared to somebody in the NBA for reference. Some players get unrealistic comparisons like Atlanta’s Trae Young, who had the unfair experience of being compared to Stephen Curry.
It’s comparisons like these that can sometimes affect the games of young players because there is no way they can immediately deliver like seasoned NBA players that have been in the league almost a decade.
Jarrett Culver has almost a cache of NBA players that he is compared to. Lets start with ESPN’s college analyst, Mike Schmitz that compares him to San Antonio’s DeMar DeRozan.
From the NBA Draft Combine: Sat down with Jarrett Culver and broke down why he reminds me a bit of DeMar DeRozan. Not quite as explosive/physical at the same age but some similarities in terms of a 6-6 shot-creating guard who likes to operate in mid-range spots. pic.twitter.com/V4qSOipGR8
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) May 22, 2019
We’ll get to the shooting in a minute, but obviously Jarrett Culver likes to operate in the mid range and tries to get to the basket and finish. The Lakers have another player in Brandon Ingram who has the same style of play. As you can see, Culver has the type of game that allows him to create his own shot and can be a catalyst for a team to run the offense through.
His pull up jump shot is something that needs to be looked at as well. It is improving and will be a potential weapon at the next level. If drafted by the Lakers, he could be a solid sixth man who can score well against opponent’s second unit.
That’s the offense. On defense, Culver is compared to a young Andre Iguodola.
There is no lottery pick in this draft that is a more willing defender than Jarrett Culver. If you watched any Knicks games last season, that was a major concern that you can assume David Fizdale will take care of sooner than later. Well, the Lakers weren’t too much better on defense on the other side if the country.
The Los Angeles Lakers had better find a way to get some defenders on this roster. Last year it was about multiple playmakers. This year it needs to be about multiple players that can at least pretend to stay in front of their man, especially on the opposing guards and the wings.
Finally, I even saw a comparison to Paul Pierce. Look, all of the offensive comparisons are basically geared to players that have strong mid-range games. If the Lakers draft and keep Culver, he could easily be the first guy off the bench. Let’s all hope he is compared as a tall skinny “Microwave” like Vinnie Johnson.
On the low-end of the spectrum, the name Evan Turner has been mentioned. You’ve been warned.