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NBA Mock Draft: Jaren Jackson Jr. could help end the Magic’s never-ending rebuild

By Brendon Kleen

EAST LANSING, MI - DECEMBER 21: Jaren Jackson Jr.
EAST LANSING, MI - DECEMBER 21: Jaren Jackson Jr. /
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Orlando, FL – NOVEMBER 24: Missouri Tigers forward Jontay Porter (11) is defended by St. John’s Red Storm guard Bashir Ahmed (1) in the 2nd half of the semi finals of the AdvoCare Invitational mens college basketball game between the Missouri Tigers and St. John’s Red Storm on November 24, 2017 at the HP Field House in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Orlando, FL – NOVEMBER 24: Missouri Tigers forward Jontay Porter (11) is defended by St. John’s Red Storm guard Bashir Ahmed (1) in the 2nd half of the semi finals of the AdvoCare Invitational mens college basketball game between the Missouri Tigers and St. John’s Red Storm on November 24, 2017 at the HP Field House in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

PF/C. Missouri. Jontay Porter. 28. player. 18.

Porter takes the spot of Ethan Happ in this edition as a player who can impact the game in a plethora of ways on both ends of the floor.

Per 40 minutes, Porter is averaging 14.7 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 4.0 blocks and 1.8 steals. I’m not typically one for listing stats just to overwhelm the page, but Porter is someone who truly fills the box score. He is also extremely athletic for a 6-foot-11 big, which he uses to his advantage on the glass and around the rim.

The freshman is missing his cousin Michael in Missouri gold this season, but has taken on a bigger load while Michael recovers. Though he doesn’t start, the game changes for the Tigers when he steps on the court. Against West Virginia, Porter truly dominated defensively, blocking three 3-point attempts and flashing high-level foot speed for a big man recovering to the perimeter out of Missouri’s 2-3 zone.

After losing Kelly Olynyk last summer, the Celtics could use more skilled big men as they fill out their motion system and eventually try to replace Al Horford.