Beyond the Arc: Two starving teams that need Jarret Culver right now

Former Red Raider guard Jarrett Culver is headed to the NBA. All across the nation, college basketball fans and onlookers got to see an incredible run by Texas Tech, from the Sweet Sixteen to the National Championship game.

One thing is for certain, the Red Raiders could not have accomplished what they did last season without the help of Culver. He’s great off the ball, even better when its in his hands, and he can play lock down defense. Culver could step onto the court and improve any NBA franchise. So the question remains, who needs Culver the most?

Here are two (former) powerhouse organizations that absolutely need the 6’6 guard on the team come draft night on June 20th.

The Los Angeles Lakers:

Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

The Lakers used to be a team that would make it to the playoffs every season. A team that had superstars like, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and now LeBron James. However, this organization is not what it once was. With the disfunction that is the Lakers, they desperately need to make some changes and additions to help mend the chaos at hand.

Luckily, the Lakers just so happen to get the No.4 pick in this year’s NBA Draft. This couldn't have gone better for James and company. Los Angeles is in luck because they could be picking up a Red Raider legend. Culver even worked out with the Lakers recently and seemed to impress the Los Angeles onlookers, especially the King himself.

This helps the Lakers for two reasons. They need help...desperately. Even with James on the team, they couldn't break the cycle of not making it to the playoffs. It’s apparent the Los Angeles needs a fresh face who can instantly improve the roster and make them potential playoff contenders again.

Another the Lakers may be viewing Culver as their guys is because he would be a great bargaining chip to pick up Anthony Davis from the Pelicans. I know, I don't want to see this either, but its a likely possibility since it seems LeBron is so eager to play with the Brow. Adding Culver to the already many young assets the Lakers are willing to trade for only sweetens the deal for New Orleans.

Culver is an all around great player, one that can take the Lakers to a better place then they are right now. This organization needs him, one way or another.

The New York Knicks

Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

The Knicks just can not catch a break it seems. Everyone was hyped to see New York get the No.1 pick in the draft so they could select college phenom Zion Williamson from Duke. However, it wasn't in the basketball God’s plans as the Knicks fell to the No. 3 pick in this years draft.

It always seems like New York gets the short end of the stick, but maybe not this time around. With the third pick, the Knicks can really make a smart decision here and select a kid that jumps out on the stats sheet and on tape. This would be none other than Culver.

He’s seen plenty of playing time on the big stage as he competed in March Madness both his freshman and sophomore season. Culver was the Red Raiders number one choice as he averaged 18.4 points per game and also moved the ball around to set up teammates with 6.4 assists a game.

Oh, did I mention he could play defense? Yeah I did, but let me expand on that. Culver was known for forcing his opponents to turn the ball over with a season total 57 steals and 21 blocks.

Last season, New York went 17-65, which is absolutely terrible for the 15th seed in the Eastern Conference. If the Knicks plan no competing with organizations like the Bucks, the Raptors and the 76ers, they have to get a good guard on their roster.

Now they could select R.J. Barrett from Duke, but its seems New York has serious interest in Culver as he is scheduled to work out with the Knicks on Wednesday, June 5th.

Its no shock that both of these franchises have been suffering. Neither have made smart moves in the recent years, but I feel for one team, things are about to look up. With Culver in gold and purple or blue and orange, he can take a faltering franchise back to its former glory.

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports