NBA Mock Draft: New Orleans Pelicans Select Jarrett Culver from Texas Tech

NBA Mock Draft Pick #5 - Jarrett Culver, Guard, Texas Tech

SB Nation’s New Orleans Pelicans blog The Bird Writes explains the pick:

David Griffin has some specific criteria in mind once he proceeds to construct New Orleans roster, so we’re going to take a cue from him and select Jarrett Culver at the fifth overall pick.

The Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations is legitimately interested in adding “good human beings” and there’s few who are probably more on the up and up than Culver, a young man noted for putting family and his faith first. In addition to being a model citizen, Culver was a breakout star in his sophomore season at Texas Tech.

Culver can do a lot of things well on a basketball court, and due to his excellent size for a guard (standing nearly 6’7), many feel his game will translate well in the professional ranks. His basketball IQ is top-notch, the improved form on his jumpshot should prove successful in catch-and-shoot as well as pull-up situations, and he’s a dependable secondary playmaker. Possessing nice length (6’9.5 wingspan) and a high-revving motor, he projects as a really solid two-way player, one who will be able to guard multiple positions.

A smart, versatile defender and scorer — New Orleans is beyond excited to add him to a core of Zion Williamson and Jrue Holiday.

These are the terms of the trade in our Blogger Mock Draft between the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New Orleans Pelicans:

Knicks receive: Anthony Davis

Cavaliers receive: 3rd Pick

Pelicans receive: 5th Pick, 26th Pick, Dennis Smith Jr., Kevin Knox, Dallas 2021 1st (unprotected), Dallas 2023 1st (1-10 protected).