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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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NEWARK, NJ – DECEMBER 28: Creighton Bluejays guard Khyri Thomas (2) during the College Basketball game between the Seton Hall Pirates and the Creighton Bluejays on December 28, 2017, at the prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ – DECEMBER 28: Creighton Bluejays guard Khyri Thomas (2) during the College Basketball game between the Seton Hall Pirates and the Creighton Bluejays on December 28, 2017, at the prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

player. 125. . G. Creighton. Khyri Thomas. 27

The Hawks are in the midst of a dramatic rebuild and right now the future roster doesn’t have much shape to it. With so much up in the air, it never hurts to grab as many shooters and defenders as possible.

Thomas would be a very interesting fit as someone who can do both, and perhaps play next to Dennis Schroder. I like Thomas as someone who can come in and contribute right away to a team that lacks structure.

The junior will be 22 by the time of the 2018 draft, and has improved his efficiency every year at Creighton. This season, Thomas is averaging 15 points, 3 assists and 4 rebounds per game on over 50 percent shooting from the field. His individual net rating is plus-13.7 so far in conference play, including a 14-3-3 in a win over Butler on Tuesday night.

Putting Thomas next to Schroder, Kent Bazemore, John Collins and whoever Atlanta lands closer to the top of the draft would make for a flexible young core as they look towards the future.