As the offseason winds down, the Orlando Magic are loading up, signing 2019 No. 6 pick Jarrett Culver.
The Orlando Magic have agreed to a deal with Jarrett Culver, agents BJ Bass and Cam Brennick told @hoopshype. Culver, the sixth pick of the 2019 NBA Draft, has averaged 6.5 points in four NBA seasons playing for the Timberwolves, Grizzlies, and Hawks. pic.twitter.com/aHOItx74Lw
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) September 12, 2024
Culver will sign an Exhibit 10 deal, allowing him to compete for a two-way spot or to re-join to G League. Last season, the Texas Tech product was on a tear with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. In 29 contests, the guard averaged 20.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.
The #Magic have signed free agents Jarrett Culver, Myron Gardner, Tre Scott, and Jalen Slawson to Exhibit 10 deals. They’ll be able to compete for the final pair of two-way deals available to Orlando during training camp as well as time with Osceola in the G League. https://t.co/kdswx1Wbuv
— Jason Beede (@therealBeede) September 12, 2024
Culver was signed in a group that also included Myron Gardner, Tre Scott, and Jalen Slawson.
Former Top-10 Pick Jarrett Culver Signs With Magic
Last week, two-time NBA Slam Dunk champion Mac McClung agreed to sign a training camp deal with the Magic as well. Like Culver, McClung was a G League standout last season. In fact, he was named the 2024 G League MVP. Consequently, they seem to have the best chance of making Orlando’s roster.
Fortunately for them, the Magic have two two-way slots available. The other is being manned by 27-year-old wing Trevelin Queen, who went undrafted in 2020.
In 2023-24, Queen posted 22.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. He was subsequently named to the 2023-24 All-G League team. In 2021-22, he was named the G League MVP after averaging 25.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 3.4 steals per game.
Culver and McClung signing with the Magic would also give Orlando one of the better two-way units. Culver and Queen are more impactful defensively while McClung is a natural scorer. Nonetheless, if called up to soak up minutes on the perimeter, the drop-off from players like Gary Harris to Culver or Cole Anthony to McClung may not be too steep.
These are pointed comparisons. Harris and Anthony’s injury histories suggest that they’re likely to miss quite a few games next season.
How Can Jarrett Culver Stick?
For Culver, continuing to refine his 3-point stroke will be key.
Last season, he made 38.0 percent of his 3s while with the Vipers. Yet, he’s only made 27.6 percent of his 3s in the NBA. Indeed, while Culver’s lack of durability was a major factor, his mediocre 3-point shooting helped bury him on depth charts after he was drafted.
Aside from that, he’s a crafty three-level scorer who has learned how to consistently penetrate the lane despite his below-average explosiveness. His basketball IQ also helps him play off the ball, which will benefit him if playing off of playmakers like Paolo Banchero.
Culver may never make the impact that his draft position suggested he would. However, his story is still being written.
