NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Magic hopes to find its superstar; Jabari Smith hype

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NBA Draft prospect Jaden Hardy (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) /

9. Portland Trail Blazers – Jaden Hardy, G, G League

The Portland Trail Blazers are an interesting team. They will likely have a top 10 pick and have Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, presumably, to continue to build around. After that, it wouldn’t be surprising for this team to explore trading for a big name – perhaps Ben Simmons.

Either way, it would be smart to try and secure a player with a high ceiling – Jaden Hardy fits the mold. He’s currently playing in the G League, though has left much to be desired so far. He isn’t jumping off the screen when you watch him play, but his potential is still through the roof.

This selection would fit right in line with the chances that the Blazers need to take. Though, with as much pressure as this front office could be in, it also wouldn’t be surprising for the Blazers to make a much safer selection.