Despite injuries ending his season, Kevin McCullar Jr. has shown that he could produce early on in the NBA due to his versatile skill set. With his impressive defense and the ability to do a little bit of everything at a decent level, McCullar is the type of sleeper pick in the NBA Draft that could prove desirable for teams looking for instant-impact players.
Kevin McCullar Jr. 2024 NBA Draft Profile
College Career
In his collegiate career, the six-foot-six swingman spent the first three years at Texas Tech. McCullar transferred to Kansas for his senior year and was joined by fellow NBA prospect Johnny Furphy for McCullar’s fifth year. At Kansas this season, McCullar’s role increased compared to previous years and he demonstrated tremendous improvement in many areas. As the primary option for the Jayhawks, McCullar showcased impressive performances that highlighted his offensive improvements while maintaining his defense. Specifically, McCullar’s defense was always impressive, but he also improved his jumper, slashing ability, and passing.
McCullar averaged 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, while shooting 45.4% from the field, 33.3% from three, and 80.5% from the free throw line. These are an improvement over last year, where he played a lesser role behind Jalen Wilson and Gradey Dick. While at Kansas, McCullar received three awards for his efforts and overall improvement to his game. He received two All-Big 12 selections and a Big 12 All-defense selection.
Strengths
McCullar’s defense coupled with his high IQ and winning mentality are his greatest strengths as a player. McCullar showcased throughout his college career that he fully utilizes his six-foot-six frame and six-foot-nine wingspan on defense. He can guard any of the first three positions, and even some smaller power forwards, playing with great toughness. McCullar has very active hands, where he disrupts plays, strips balls, and intercepts passes with his length and defensive instincts.
Speaking of length, McCullar also utilizes his long arms in blocking shots, both coming off the weak side and defending on-ball. While not the most athletic or the quickest player, McCullar’s on-ball defense is stifling and he can easily keep up with on-ball perimeter players, hounding them constantly. Off the ball, McCullar is just as good because of his high defensive awareness and IQ. He knows exactly when to come over and help or pick off passes.
On the offensive end, McCullar’s biggest strength in that regard is his slashing ability, particularly cutting off the ball. McCullar knows exactly where he needs to be, where to attack defenses, and exactly when to cut, which would be a desirable trait for NBA teams. He is a good finisher around the rim too, so he makes good on his cuts or transition opportunities. McCullar can do a bunch of different things on offense as well. He handles the ball a little and he can initiate the offense. He knows how to move the ball along and get it to the right place this skillset makes McCullar a quality secondary playmaker. McCullar has also improved as a shooter, with him shooting 33.3 percent this year while taking 4.5 threes per game compared to his career average of 30 percent. Lastly, McCullar is a good rebounder, grabbing six a game.
Weaknesses
The most notable weakness in McCullar’s game is his shooting ability. While he has improved his shooting this past season, he still wasn’t that efficient at shooting the ball beyond the arc. Also, his shot is a bit slow and awkward-looking. He will have to improve his shot even more to fully take his game to the next level. McCullar isn’t someone who creates their own shot or play-makes at a high level either, so he isn’t going to be the focal point of any offense. This is despite him being the primary option at Kansas for his final year.
McCullar isn’t the most athletic player or someone who could jump out of the gym. However, McCullar is solid athletically and moves well laterally, so he can keep up at an acceptable level. Lastly, McCullar is one of the older prospects in the NBA Draft, being 23 years old and a fifth-year college player, so he could be perceived as having little upside for improvement.
NBA Comparison
McCullar’s ability to defend at a high level, smart off-ball moving and cutting, as well as being a high IQ player that makes the right plays brings to mind several players. Bruce Brown Jr. is the player that most closely resembles McCullar’s game as both of them are high-level defenders who play with high IQ and are connective pieces on offense. Torrey Craig is a name that comes to mind as they have similar physical frames to one another and play with toughness.
