NBA Draft 2018: 5 targets for the Indiana Pacers

1. Elie Okobo

Several weeks ago, Okobo’s name was largely unknown by most NBA fans. He’s been on the radar of NBA teams for a while though. At the moment, he might be the hottest name projected to go in the first round.

That might make it difficult for the Pacers to sit back and acquire him. If he is still available when they are put on the clock, look for them to move quickly to select him. His upside as a potential starting point guard at the NBA level isn’t something that’s typically found in the 20s.

Okobo isn’t a perfect prospect though. He is still more of a shooting guard than point at this point in his career. He isn’t very skilled at creating plays for others. Okobo can, however, light the scoreboard up when he gets on a roll.

The safe bet for Okobo is to start him out as a scorer off the bench and wait for him to grow into a quality starter. The Pacers current personnel would fit that timeline perfectly. Collison could remain the starter for another year or two and gradually give his job over to Okobo. In the meantime, Okobo could develop his scoring ability by piloting the team’s bench unit.

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The Frenchman’s ability to shoot the ball from three also makes him a great option to play in a backcourt with Oladipo. Okobo doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact. Acquiring Okobo should be the Pacers’ best case scenario on draft night.