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NBA Mock Draft 7.0: Spurs make shocking pick at No. 2; Blazers trade Damian Lillard

By Michael Saenz

NBA Draft prospect Taylor Hendricks (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
NBA Draft prospect Taylor Hendricks (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /
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NBA Draft prospect Rayan Rupert (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images) /

12. Orlando Magic (via Chicago Bulls) – Rayan Rupert, G, France

After taking a strong step forward this season, the Orlando Magic will be heading into the offseason with the chance to emerge as one of the most intriguing young teams. And with two more lottery picks in this year’s NBA Draft, the talent pool is only going to get bigger and deeper for Orlando heading into next season. One prospect they could take a flier on later in the lottery is Rayan Rupert, an intriguing defensive-minded guard out of France.

The decision to make a move for Rupert would be solely one based on his potential. He’s far from a finished prospect at this point in his development and hasn’t shown much consistency as a prospect on the offensive end. It will be his defensive prowess, overall athleticism, and his long-term potential that could make him a lottery pick.

But there’s no question that whoever drafts him will need to invest resources in his development. In a few years, if he reaches his ceiling, the Magic’s risk could pay off hugely. And with a second first-round pick, the Magic should be taking a gamble on long-term potential anyways.