NBA Rookie Rankings: Who is the best playmaker?

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks shakes hands with head coach Lloyd Pierce during their game against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on November 13, 2018 in Oakland, California. 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. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 10: Elie Okobo #2 of the Phoenix Suns drives against Tim Frazier #10 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on November 10, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

4. Elie Okobo

Okobo isn’t getting a ton of attention right now, but he’s shown signs of being a real steal for the Suns. Admittedly, he plays on one of the worst teams in the NBA, but the organization should feel good about him as a building block for their future.

Right now, he’s primarily operating as the point guard for Igor Kokoskov’s second unit. Occasionally Devin Booker slides down and plays that role, but Okobo is getting some opportunities to run the team. His performance in those brief stretches of time has been positive for a team without many bright spots.

Despite the fact that Okobo isn’t shooting the ball as well as many scouts predicted, he has been able to create opportunities for his teammates. His assist percentage of 24.1 might be his most impressive statistic through 11 games. He’s not a player who makes a ton of flashy assists, but he already shows a solid grasp of his coach’s offensive system.

The question for Okobo moving forward will be whether or not he can learn to play next to Booker in the starting lineup. If he can, the Suns have secured one of the draft’s biggest steals. Even if he only ascends to the level of a backup point guard, he’s still a solid piece for Phoenix to include in their long-term plans.

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