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2017 NBA Mock Draft 6.0: Suns snag Lonzo Ball; Heat trade up for Fox

By Michael Saenz

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) controls the ball against Kentucky Wildcats forward Wenyen Gabriel (32) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) controls the ball against Kentucky Wildcats forward Wenyen Gabriel (32) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Orlando Magic (via Heat) – Justin Jackson, F, North Carolina

GM: Mason McFee; Twitter: @_Mason_Jar 

The Magic have really re-arranged their roster this offseason, trading away Vucevic, Ross, Payton, and Biyombo in exchange for Pau Gasol, Timofey Mozgov, Goran Dragic, Josh Richardson and Luol Deng.

Orlando has been a team without direction since D12’s departure, and by trading away players with hefty contracts/ones that don’t fit into the future plans, and acquiring older veterans who can contribute now but will be off the books in a few years, it allows head coach Frank Vogel to really mold this roster. Despite all this though, the Magic need to be thinking long term, and while Jackson isn’t the flashiest of players, he has the potential to develop into a very efficient player and solid defender with his length and athleticism.

He has the opportunity to grow with players like Gordon and Richardson, while playing with more established veterans who can mentor him (Deng, Dragic). Between his strong play in this past year’s NCAA tournament, and his steady improvement through his time in college, the Magic are very excited to see what Mr. Jackson brings to the Magic.