The Smoking Cuban
FanSided

2018 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: The Draft Lottery is Set

By Kohl Rast

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: A general view of the NBA Deputy Commissioner, Mark Tatum during the 2018 NBA Draft during the NBA Draft Lottery on May 15, 2018 at The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: A general view of the NBA Deputy Commissioner, Mark Tatum during the 2018 NBA Draft during the NBA Draft Lottery on May 15, 2018 at The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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. PF/C. Jaren Jackson Jr.. 6. 38.

SEAN: The Orlando Magic fell one spot to number six tonight in the NBA draft lottery and I have opted to give them Jaren Jackson Jr. out of Michigan State. An argument could be made for Trae Young due to the Magic’s glaring hole at the point guard position but the gap between Jackson and Young is big enough to where I think you take the big man.

Jackson Jr. is a 6’11” C/PF who happens to be the youngest prospect in the draft. He has shown the potential to be an elite defender at the next level. He pairs his shot-blocking ability, defensive versatility, and athletic ability with a legit shooting stroke and impressive ball-handling skills for someone his size.

DETROIT, MI – MARCH 18: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts after being defeated by the Syracuse Orange 55-53 in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – MARCH 18: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts after being defeated by the Syracuse Orange 55-53 in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

The Magic’s new General Manager John Hammond has a history of coveting long, versatile athletes in the draft. Last year Orlando opted to select forward Jonathan Isaac, one of the best athletes win the class. Pairing Jackson Jr. with Isaac and Aaron Gordon could create the foundation of one of the more unique front courts in the NBA.

Those three have the length and speed to switch often on pick-and-roll defense. With today’s game becoming more and more position-less, this would be a great advantage to have as a team. It is unlikely the Magic would solve their offensive woes next season if they took Jackson Jr., but his talent and fit in that front court would be too appealing to pass up.

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