Phoenix Suns: 5 options for pick No. 31 in 2018 NBA Draft

5. Elie Okobo, PG — Pau-Orthez (France)

This 6’3″ point guard from France seems to be flying up draft boards, so there’s a good chance he won’t be available by the time the Suns are on the clock at No. 31. ESPN‘s latest mock has him going 23rd, while The Ringer is even higher on the 20-year-old floor general, projecting him to go 19th.

However, given how crowded the pack is once the draft rolls into the 20s, it wouldn’t be impossible for Okobo for fall into the second round, and if that’s the case, McDonough will have to seriously consider a player he’s seen up close already in a pre-draft workout.

The reason his draft stock is skyrocketing? A strong finish to his season overseas, which included a 44-point outburst that turned quite a few heads and has many wondering if he might wind up being one of the best scoring guards in the entire draft class. At this point, he might even be a candidate at No. 16.

This lefty point guard is crafty with his hesitation dribble, can create separation on his step-backs and has shot 41.3 percent from 3-point range this season. Though he didn’t grow up as a pure-bred point guard, he’s learning the position well. His ability to manipulate defenses, finish inside, explode toward the rim and operate well in the pick-and-roll all look promising.

Okobo has a lot of upside despite being one of the older players in the draft. If he’s still available at No. 31, his ability to break defenses on or off the ball, mixed with his long arms and defensive potential, should have him on Phoenix’s radar.