Elie Okobo Scouting Report

Tip: To play clips, you may need to disable AdBlock

Elie Okobo (Ball handler, 20, 6'3", 180 lbs)

Statistical Profile

Strengths

Okobo is an under-the-radar prospect but one of the best ball handlers in this Draft. He has a strong frame and a 6'8" wingspan giving him ideal size as a lead guard. He has played professionally in France for three seasons, and has compiled numbers that compare favorably to Nic Batum and Tony Parker’s best professional years in France.

Offensively, Okobo is a high-volume scorer type that boasts extremely appealing traits in the modern NBA. He is lightning quick with the ball in his hands and is a great pull-up jump shooter. He creates space using excellent change of pace timing and the skill to operate at a variety of different speeds. He has a diverse shot-making profile. He is an experienced shooter off the dribble and absolutely deadly off the catch. He has superb mechanics, footwork and has a smooth, quick and repeatable release on his jumper.

He grew up as an off ball scorer and is advanced at moving without the ball and finding pockets for spot-up jump shots. He has an elite step-back jumper that will translate well to the next level due to his quickness and compact release. He is also a rhythm scorer who rises to a level of unstoppable ability when he gets hot.

Okobo has only played point guard for a few years, but uses his size well when handling the ball. He is very good in ball screen situations, making plays for his teammates utilizing exceptional timing in drive and kick situations and making short roll passes to the big in pick-and-rolls. He has good vision due to his size and has flashed the ability to make difficult passes.

Defensively, the tools are there for Okobo. He uses his plus wingspan to affect passing lanes and makes impressive chase down blocks that are rare for guards at any level. When he’s engaged, he’s a very formidable on-ball defender and is pesky when switched onto bigger wings. Off the ball, he has good awareness and IQ that allow him to be particularly aggressive.

Weaknesses

Okobo’s weaknesses are largely mental. He is inconsistent and selectively exerts maximum effort. He is still improving as a decision maker with the ball in his hands and makes a lot of poorly timed jump passes. He is prone to mental lapses on defense, and has below average discipline on that end. It was unfortunately common to see him lack the requisite effort fighting through screens or moving his feet with the desired intent. He tends to take unnecessary risks defensively and takes himself out of plays lunging for steals or jumping for pump fakes.

Offensively, Okobo has a decent first step and average burst but lacks elite explosiveness. This has hindered his ability around the rim. He lacks touch as a finisher, and struggles with craftiness around the basket.

However, his shooting ability is so lethal that opposing guards must go over screens against him, so he will have the opportunity to make plays off the dribble and improve around the rim.

Summary

Okobo is one of the Draft’s best sleepers and deserves a first round selection. He is the second best ball handling shooting prospect in the Draft after Trae Young and projects as a 6th man volume scorer with good efficiency as a median outcome. He has a diverse shot profile and is the rare guard prospect with significant shooting ability off the dribble. If he can improve his decision making and take advantage of his physical tools defensively by ramping up his effort and intensity, the IQ, vision and playmaking ability are all there for him to be an above average starting guard in the NBA.