Phoenix Suns rookie Elie Okobo could be star in hiding
By Chad Boyles
The 31st pick in this past draft is looking rather valuable for the shallow-at-guard Phoenix Suns. Frenchman point guard Elie Okobo can expect to jump into a pretty intense role fairly quick out of the gates. Suns fans should not be worried about that at all.
Rookie point guard Elie Okobo recently voiced how he was enjoying playing under rookie head coach Igor Kokoskov, and although his name has been thrown around in trade rumors featuring the Suns as a third team in a Jimmy Butler deal, the Frenchman might be better off in purple and orange.
Okobo showed flashes of brilliance in the Las Vegas Summer League, and General Manager Ryan McDonough stated on media day that the 20-year-old rookie was one of the most fun players to watch during their summer workouts and pickup games.
It appears that Okobo has been adding to his game, growing, and preparing for a rather large role.
Elie Okobo seemingly specialized in being a floor general during his time in Vegas. Okobo demanded the ball and wowed the crowd with a few stellar assists. He posses a nice shooting stroke and a good eye for the game, which may be the perfect fit when taking the rest of the Suns’ lineup into account.
The point guard race should be fun to watch for Suns fans throughout training camp and preseason. Whether it’s Shaquille Harrison‘s explosiveness, recently acquired De’Anthony Melton‘s defensive versatility, or Okobo’s vision, the Frenchman is certainly in for a larger than not role with the Phoenix Suns than he might have been had he been selected by any other team.
Some considered him a steal as the first pick in the second round, and he may turn out to be just that.
On a team filled with youth and veterans and not a whole lot in between, Okobo may be the most exciting piece of all of the young talent the Phoenix Suns own.
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The entire Suns organization and fanbase will continue to have high hopes for this rookie class.
While headlined by Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges, Elie Okobo sits in the shadows, although he should not be overlooked.
Having played professionally in France up to this point, it will be exciting to watch him work in the exhibition games as the season edges closer.
My bold prediction: Elie Okobo comfortably distinguishes himself as the Suns’ best option at point guard by the All-Star break.