5. Jarrett Culver, Texas Tech (Big Board: 19)
Wings who can shoot, defend and handle the ball typically have a place in the NBA. Culver checks every box, emerging as a prospect during his freshman campaign at Texas Tech. With Zhaire Smith now in Philadelphia, even more eyes will be fixated on Culver’s development.
Culver started 20 games last season, averaging 11.2 and 4.8 rebounds per contest while shooting 38.2 percent from deep. He’s a long, active defender, guarding multiple positions and using his length to disrupt plays on that end.
Even with Shamet performing well and Smith on the way, the Sixers can afford to stack up on young, cost-controlled wings. Culver is a prime prospect whose current standing on our draft board doesn’t reflect his draft hype. He might end up falling further than he should.
In addition to his spot-up shooting and defense, Culver has shown proficiency attacking in straight-line drives and making passes on the move. Those are areas he’ll look to build on in his sophomore season. The Sixers lack those skills right now.