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From the moment the Knicks finished third in the lottery, the story went from Zion Williamson to RJ Barrett. But Jarrett Culver makes his case the best choice for them.
After Wednesday's preliminary training session at the MSG Training Center, Culver qualified as a two-way prospect, a hard-working defenseman who will help the Knicks from day one if they win.
"I can come in and have an impact. Defense and offensive, I feel like playing in both directions. So, just for that, I feel like I can come in and have an impact, "said Culver, who averaged 18.5 points and 6.4 rebounds in sophomore.
His defense led Texas Tech to the NCAA championship game, and he is confident that this will immediately translate into the NBA.
"I think so. Nowadays, it is difficult to find people proud of the defense. But I am one of them, "he said. "I am proud of the defense. Being at Texas Tech taught me a lot, so I feel like I'm an elite on the defensive side. "
The top of the repechage seemed unchangeable, including the Knicks' third pick. The first choice, Williamson will go to New Orleans, and Ja Morant will probably travel to Memphis. The nearly unanimously simulated projects have the Knicks taking Barrett, with Culver landed anywhere between # 4 to # 7. But could it go up to # 3?
"I'm trying not to look [mock drafts]. I just do what I can do and control what I can control. What others think and say, it does not depend on me. At the end of the day, I'll do the work I'm going to do. I'm going to do what I do, "said Culver, who is not measured by Barrett.
"I think we are great players, both of us. He has a lot of talent, I have a lot of talent. And in the end, it's not our choice, it's up to everyone to choose. So, we just put in the work. I know he works hard, I work hard. So that's what it is.
Culver worked for the Lakers, who have the fourth pick, and Knicks, and he has already scheduled more practice with teams scoring 5-7 – the Cavaliers, Suns and Bulls, respectively.
"It's very exciting, it's a blessing for sure, I've come here with God and a lot of hard work." At the end of the day, it's a blessing, "said Culver, who said Wednesday with Knicks coach David Fizdale, chief executive Scott Perry and president Steve Mills, before dinner with them later.
"They know what I have. They know what I can do, "he said. "That's why I feel like talking to the coaching staff and everyone, it's great, I can come in and have an impact on both sides of the ball.
"Of course, the fact that I've been at Tech for two years has really matured for me – I'm just a leader in this team and I'm able to help my teammates, using my experience to help all members of the team. "
The Knicks, both moribund, were 17-65, the league's worst performance, and the fifth-worst defenseman at 112.8. Nevertheless, Culver examines the lineup and sees the talent he would like to join, of which he already knows some.
"Yes, a lot of talented guys. It would be great to play with so many talented guys. I've actually played with Mitchell Robinson AAU. They have a lot of talented guys here in New York and I feel they are going to be a great team, "said Culver, who was not shocked by Robinson's strong rookie season after playing alongside him in the Nike Pro Skills program.
"For me, it did not surprise me. I played with him. What he did this year was what he did when I played with him, blocking every shot, being athletic. He is an excellent player. "
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