Here’s how the Grizzlies can rejuvenate Jarrett Culver’s career

Memphis Grizzlies wing Jarrett Culver has been a solid defender at the NBA level thus far

Even though his NBA career hasn’t gone to plan thus far, Culver hasn’t had any issues defensively. In limited minutes, his steal numbers have been solid and he has been active all over the court.

This was a big selling point for him at the college level, where he played in a very defensive-minded system at Texas Tech. The Red Raiders had an impenetrable defense that year — I can attest to this, as Culver’s team knocked out my Michigan State Spartans in the final four, allowing Tom Izzo’s squad just 51 points. Culver was the centerpiece of it all.

Culver is a smart defender and he knows how to make timely plays on that side of the ball, something that the Grizzlies must value very highly. It looks like the Grizz have gone all-in on developing a strong defense, especially considering a Jonas Valanciunas-Steven Adams swap a few weeks ago.

Culver won’t be anywhere near the starting lineup and on a team full of wings, it’s unclear exactly how he’s going to fit. That said, he has a ton of upside as an NBA player and the Grizzlies’ acquisition of the former Red Raider was nothing short of highway robbery.