Report: Cavs Have Jarrett Culver Ranked Higher Than Ja Morant and R.J. Barrett

According to most fans and experts, the Cleveland Cavaliers lost big on the night of the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery when they landed out of the top three with the No. 5 overall pick.

As it turns out, that fifth pick may put them in perfect position to draft the player that they had as the No. 2 player on their big board even prior to the draft lottery.

That player is former Texas Tech University star Jarrett Culver.

Culver’s possible position on the Cavs’ board was reported by Sporting News’ Sean Deveney.

“Before the unveiling of the lottery results, some scouts and personnel execs said that if the Hawks had won the No. 2 pick, they would focus on wing Jarrett Culver – and that the Cavaliers might have done the same, passing on outstanding guards Ja Morant and RJ Barrett,” Deveney wrote.

“Rumors have even cropped up about the Knicks considering Culver over Barrett with the No. 3 pick. At the least, the Knicks will weigh the option.

“At No. 5, though, there’s a pretty good chance the Cavs can get their man, if the Lakers pass on him at No. 4 – though that is no guarantee. Culver had good numbers at the Chicago pre-draft combine, measuring 6-6.75 with a 6-9.5 wingspan.”

Sam Amico of AmicoHoops.net reported that Cavs brass has already met with Culver, and it appears that their interest in the 2019 March Madness star is legitimate.

“The getting-to-know-you process is marching on for the Cavaliers, who met with Texas Tech shooting guard Jarrett Culver at the NBA Combine,” he wrote.

Last season at Texas Tech, Culver averaged 18.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. While he often played at the power forward position, his 6-foot-7 frame would likely put him at the small forward spot in the NBA.

His ability to get to the rim and create his own shot, as well as his tenacious defensive ability, would make him a certain asset for the rebuilding Cavs.

Fans will have to wait until draft night to see if Culver is destined to end up in Northeast Ohio.