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Since practically the moment after the pingpong balls dealt the Knicks the third pick in next month's draft, Duke swingman RJ Barrett has been linked to New York. But there appears to be a dark horse for the pick.
The scouting report on the 6-foot-7 Culver is that he is an good shooter, tough defender and crafty ball handler. He, however, lacks consistency, sometimes makes poor decisions with the ball and is not elite in any one area of his game.
Culver, 20, was asked at the NBA scouting combine earlier this month what type of player a team will get by drafting him.
"A two-way player," he said. "A player who can score on all three levels on offense. And then on the defensive side, (a player) who takes pride in defense, who plays hard on the defensive side. They’'re going to get a player who plays hard each and every night."
Culver averaged 18.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists last season for a Red Raiders team that reached the NCAA title game.
Duke power forward Zion Williamson is a virtual lock to go to the New Orleans Pelicans with the first overall pick. And according to reports, the Memphis Grizzlies are zeroing in on Murray State point guard Ja Morant at No. 2, which would leave the Knicks choosing between Barrett and Culver.
Other possibilities at No. 3 include Virginia small forward De'Andre Hunter, Vanderbilt point guard Darius Garland and North Carolina guard Coby White.