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NBA Mock Draft: Are Lonzo to LA and Jackson to Boston locks?

By Nathan Beighle

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) looks to pass the ball against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) looks to pass the ball against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 8, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith (4) dribbles against the Florida State Seminoles during the second half at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Florida State won 95-71. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith (4) dribbles against the Florida State Seminoles during the second half at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Florida State won 95-71. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick No. 6: Dennis Smith Jr.

It might be time for the Orlando Magic to move away from the Elfrid Payton experiment. Payton has value, but he might not have panned out like most had planned. Instead, put him on the second unit and replace him with arguably the best guard in this draft.

Dennis Smith Jr. was a monster in his time at NC State. Playing in the best conference in NCAA, Smith averaged 18.1 points and 6.2 assists per game. There seems to be a concern with Smith’s overall focus and defense, but if the Magic and Coach Vogel can get Smith to lock in, he could improve in those areas.

The Magic can build up a solid core around Smith and Aaron Gordan going forward. The Magic also have had Mario Herzonja, who could have a breakout junior year, holstered. For the Magic, it will all be on what they want. Jonathon Issac from Florida State will more than likely be available, but Dennis Smith seems like the better option.

Smith has insane upside, and if he drops to 6, the Magic should gratefully scoop him up.