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NBA Draft: 2019 Mock 2.0: If the Dallas Mavericks land in top 4

By Kohl Rast

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on against the Michigan State Spartans in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on against the Michigan State Spartans in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 08: Jarrett Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders grabs a rebound against the Virginia Cavaliers in the 2019 NCAA men’s Final Four National Championship game at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 08, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 08: Jarrett Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders grabs a rebound against the Virginia Cavaliers in the 2019 NCAA men’s Final Four National Championship game at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 08, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) /

G. Texas Tech. 79. . . Jarrett Culver. 4

One of my favorite players in this draft class gave his fans as many games as he possibly could to appreciate him. Jarrett Culver returned to the NCAA for his sophomore season after an average freshman year that garnered him little national attention. Now, after a National Championship game appearance, almost everyone knows this guy’s name.

The Mavericks are in need of some wing health this year. Tim Hardaway Jr. was a nice filler in the potential final year of a rebuild, but it is time to get someone who offers a little more versatility and help on both ends of the floor. Ideally, the Mavs would be able to find a guy that fits next to Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis well.

Culver could be the perfect guy for that. His strength is that he does most things well. He is a good scorer, good rebounder, decent passer, solid defender and a high energy player. He was particularly good in the tournament, leading the Texas Tech Red Raiders from a 3-seed to a title game appearance.

Culver’s weaknesses are mostly in the shooting department. Although he has proven that he is a capable shooter, he has also been inconsistent and very streaky at times. This is most noticeable from his three-point shooting which dropped from his freshman year to his sophomore year. He also struggled converting at the free throw line.

Player Comparison: Khris Middleton

This one is a bit lofty especially considering his three-point numbers from this year, but Culver has the tools to play a similar game to Khris Middleton. Middleton is a solid defender who can fill up the stat sheet on any given night. Culver would be a little more energetic than Middleton, but would not have the shooting prowess just yet.

Next: Chicago Bulls