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New York Knicks: Top 5 point guards in 2018 NBA Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 07: Oklahoma Sooners guard Trae Young (11) in the first half of a first round matchup in the Big 12 Basketball Championship between the Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma State Cowboys on March 7, 2018 at Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 07: Oklahoma Sooners guard Trae Young (11) in the first half of a first round matchup in the Big 12 Basketball Championship between the Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma State Cowboys on March 7, 2018 at Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Elie Okobo of France in action during FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 qualifier match between France and Russia at the Rhenus Hall in Strasbourg, eastern France, on February 23, 2018. (Photo by Elyxandro Cegarra/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Elie Okobo of France in action during FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 qualifier match between France and Russia at the Rhenus Hall in Strasbourg, eastern France, on February 23, 2018. (Photo by Elyxandro Cegarra/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

player. 27. . International. Point Guard. Elie Okobo. 4

Age: 20 (10/23/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’2″, 180 pounds, 6’8″
Slash Line: .475/.394/.819
Season Averages: 26.3 MPG, 12.9 PPG, 4.8 APG, 2.8 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 1.9 3PM

A general unknown amongst those who don’t follow international basketball, Elie Okobo is the latest in a long line of French point guard prospects. He’s an aggressive playmaker who fits the modern mold for a playmaker in virtually every way.

Just one year after the New York Knicks selected Frank Ntilikina, taking Okobo is becoming a viable option at No. 9 in the 2018 NBA Draft.

With a 6’8″ wingspan and a strong frame that’s still filling out, Okobo has the physical tools to defend the point guard position. He also has a quick first step, the end-to-end speed to lead the fast break, and the agility to fight over screens.

Beyond the physical tools is a crafty southpaw who can help lead the Knicks’ offense if Ntilikina proves to be more of a shooting guard.

Okobo is a dynamic slasher who can get past the first defender and finish amongst the trees with a versatile skill set. He’s also an excellent shooter for a player at this stage of their development, displaying both fearlessness and accuracy from distance.

Okobo reminds me of Tony Parker in the way he plays the game—quick cuts, a smooth jumper, and a crafty mentality. Brandon Jennings and D’Angelo Russell are fair comparisons, as well.

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