It’s concerning to me that Culver couldn’t beat most college defenders off the dribble. So many of his points seemed to come from inefficient/low percentage shots, or high percentage cutting type plays. His game is also very much below the rim. Even on Oops he wasn’t really getting up there. I wish there was a more well-roundedness to his offensive game. Better 3s, easy layups off the dribble, etc. more evidence of a good scoring aptitude.
I like some stuff he does. He has good vision, finds open guys, plays the passing lanes. Plays hard too. But he definitely projects as a glue guy/role player than a starting 5 player on a playoff team (in the west anyway).
The way I tend to see things is, if you can’t do certain things in college, you just can’t do them in the NBA. If there’s things you can barely do in college, you probably won’t be able to do them in the NBA. The things you’re really really good at, those tend to translate.
What does Culver do really really well and will continue to do against even better athletes?
He probably won’t score enough to be a star. His shot can develop a la Sexton, but he isn’t athletic enough to create his own shot.
Have to compare Culver against the other options on the board, though. Reddish and Hunter sure weren't creating much offense 1-on-1, and they looked clunky when they tried. Garland only played 4 games, none against respectable defensive teams. Could make a case for White, but he gives you nothing on defense.
You aren’t wrong. The only reason we’re discussing Culver at 5 is because it’s a weak draft in terms of offensive talent. Really weak actually. All the players are gonna have warts where we stand currently.
I know it’s in vogue to throw out the term two-way player and all that but scoring effectively and efficiently is ultimately the equivalent of hitting in baseball. It can mask a lot of other issues. I haven’t watched enough of White to form an opinion but I’ll do that tonight.
I’ve been a fan of Bol and was probably the first to say so on here. Because I believe his scoring ceiling is game changing. Lot of risk though (almost all health) and no one sees him in the top 10.
I think Garland, Reddish, Hunter, and White all have at least one elite attribute though. Hunter has the wingspan and frame you want for a wing. Hopefully his elite 3pt shooting will translate to the NBA line and he will be able to up his attempts without much of a negative effect on his percentage. Reddish basically has all the physical attibrutes you would want from a modern wing. Garland has the quick release, almost unlimited range, and handles. Coby White has the speed where no one can keep up with him in transition.
Is there anything special about having one elite attribute though? Drafting's more complicated than just comparing each player's single best skill.
It's not just about the sole elite attribute but usually that one area is where they can set themselves a part and it makes one area of the game real easy for them or just hard to defend. I think every star player has to be well rounded but that elite attribute(s) allow them to build out their game and have something to lean on when things get tough.
That elite attribute is probably defense for Culver, the way you're describing it. When he's having a rough offensive night he tries hard to make up for it on the defensive end, and that's a big reason why Texas Tech made it to the finals. Building his game around that attribute he might be something like Iguodala, which would be a great outcome.
I think Garland, Reddish, Hunter, and White all have at least one elite attribute though. Hunter has the wingspan and frame you want for a wing. Hopefully his elite 3pt shooting will translate to the NBA line and he will be able to up his attempts without much of a negative effect on his percentage. Reddish basically has all the physical attibrutes you would want from a modern wing. Garland has the quick release, almost unlimited range, and handles. Coby White has the speed where no one can keep up with him in transition.
Not sold on Zion. Closer to Anthony Bennett than lebron
U WOT M8?