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2018 NBA Draft: 5 Under-the-Radar Options for Atlanta Hawks

By Chris Guest

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Anfernee Simons #39 talks to the media during the NBA Draft Combine Day 1 at the Quest Multisport Center on May 17, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Anfernee Simons #39 talks to the media during the NBA Draft Combine Day 1 at the Quest Multisport Center on May 17, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Elie Okobo of France in action during FIBA World Cup (Photo by Elyxandro Cegarra/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Elie Okobo of France in action during FIBA World Cup (Photo by Elyxandro Cegarra/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

Elie Okobo

A French point guard prospect, Elie Okobo could replace the Hawks likely out-the-door European point guard as the team’s primary ballhandler. More than 40% of Okobo’s possessions came via the pick-and-roll during his most recent season with Pau-Orthez in France, and his 29.7 assist percentage is exactly what you’d like to see from a young point guard (20 years old on draft day).

With above-average size for a point guard, Okobo could likely split his minutes between the guard spots and also switch across 2-3 positions. Okobo’s stellar three-point shooting numbers (38.9% from deep on a 49% three-point attempt rate) means that Okobo will fit in perfectly with the modern NBA’s obsession with the deep ball.

Okobo recently exploded in a French league playoff game for 44 points, and a foreign scout was quoted on the Ringer NBA show saying that Okobo is the “best player to play in the French league over the last 10-15 years.”

As a result of this hype, Okobo’s stock has risen considerably into the mid-to-late first round echelon.

Next: Dear Hawks, Please Don't Pass on Luka Doncic

Even if Dennis Schröder stays on the team (at least to start the season), the Hawks should give Okobo serious consideration with the 30th or 34th overall pick as the point guard of the future for the team.