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2018 Orlando Magic NBA Draft Preview: Who is Elie Okobo?

By Ricky Scricca

France's Elie Okobo (R) is challenged by Belgium's Kevin Tumba during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 qualifying match between France and Belgium at the Palais des Sports Jean Weille in Nancy, eastern France, on February 25, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN (Photo credit should read JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN/AFP/Getty Images)
France's Elie Okobo (R) is challenged by Belgium's Kevin Tumba during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 qualifying match between France and Belgium at the Palais des Sports Jean Weille in Nancy, eastern France, on February 25, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN (Photo credit should read JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Final Word

Elie Okobo’s specific multi-level shot-making profile ad pick-and-roll acumen is tailor-made for the modern game.

His deep range from beyond the arc, ability to drop and blow by defenders with his handle and quickness and solid passing vision all jump off the page. If he played in the NCAA, you have to imagine he would be a top-20 prospect on many boards. Or at least the subject of far more buzz, highlight reels and mixtapes.

Add in the athleticism and defensive potential, it is pretty clear Okobo is well worth a draft pick in the 30-40 range. Particularly by the Magic, who need a point guard, need a shooter and may be seeking to stash one of their picks.

It is important to keep in mind that as with any prospect in that part of the draft, expecting him to become an All-Star or even a good starter may not be grounded in reality.

The historic odds of picks in that range becoming and remaining a good player on a second contract with the team who drafted them is fairly low. But he is an intuitive fit for a Magic team that lacks scoring, shooting and creation.

The 2018 and 2019 draft also may not have more than one or two point guard prospects that stick around in the league.

Trae Young is full of upside, but also may never be able to stay on the floor defensively. Collin Sexton’s competitive nature makes it hard to imagine him washing out. But he lacks the two-way decision-making, shooting or passing vision needed to have Young’s upside or even be a good starting point guard on an elite team.

In next year’s draft, only Darius Garland appears to have a real shot at sustained NBA success from that position.

That scarcity is worth keeping in mind. The Magic need a point guard at some point. And although this year’s class is somewhat shallow, next year’s does not look any better.

Next: 2018 NBA Draft Preview: Who is Michael Porter Jr.

It will probably take multiple swings. Taking someone like Okobo is necessary if for no other reason than to give Orlando as many bites at the apple as possible.