Phoenix Suns select Frenchman Elie Okobo at 31

With the 31st pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns selected Elie Okobo, a point guard form France. He should immediately fill the hole at guard.

With their need for a guard lasting into the second round, the Suns looked overseas for a prospect that can be the guy going forward. They selected Elie Okobo, the lefty point guard from France who will play net season at 21 years old.

Okobo boasts a skillset that could be a perfect remedy to the Suns guard problems. He’s average height for a point guard at 6-3, and he’s and all around player with lots to offer.

First, he’s a good shooter from all over the floor, including from deep. Last season, he made 63 threes at 39.4 percent, and that ability to spread the floor will be helpful alongside guys like Devin Booker, Josh Jackson, Mikal Bridges, and Deandre Ayton, all of whom can do work at the basket.

Okobo is also a good passer. He should be able to work well finding his talented perimeter teammates for open looks, and he’s had success in the pick and roll game, making him a good fit with Ayton. Okobo finishes well at the rim, which should allow him to draw the attention of defender and find open teammates off of his drives.

With a 6-8 wingspan and good lateral quickness, Okobo projects as a quality defender. The selections of Okobo and Bridges, along with Jackson’s potential, should go a long way in calming the fear of a poor defensive core for the Phoenix Suns.

A lot of the improvements Elie Okobo needs to make come on the mental side of things. He sometimes takes questionable shots, and he can get lazy on both ends of the floor. He’s also not a great ball handler at this point. These concerns lead to his drop to the second round.

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But even with his weaknesses, Okobo should be a great fit for the Phoenix Suns, and it will be exciting to see him in action soon.