NBA Mock Draft 8.0: Pistons take a gamble; Magic find their cornerstone

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NBA Draft prospect Jalen Duren (Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports) /

7. Portland Trail Blazers – Jalen Duren, C, Memphis

The Portland Trail Blazers will likely make some big changes this offseason. And there’s a chance they could make a big move at the NBA Draft. With the No. 7 pick, though, they’ll likely take a player that could make some sort of impact right away.

Unless this team is going to trade Damian Lillard, which doesn’t seem likely, the Blazers have their minds set on winning now. One option for the Blazers is taking a big that has a high ceiling that could continue – something – right away.

And Lillard hasn’t exactly had a legit center next to him over the course of his career – with respect to Hassan Whiteside. Jalen Duren would be an interesting option next to Lillard.