NBA Draft 2018 Prospect Watch: Elie Okobo
By Adam McGee
Weaknesses
Okobo’s base skills and attributes are all where they need to be for him to make an impact in the NBA, but unlocking the next level of his ability will likely center around rounding out the mental side of his game.
Although still a very young player, Okobo has been known to struggle with inconsistency, while his decision-making can lead to turnovers and lapses in focus can lead to sub-par defensive contributions.
This seems to be something Okobo and his camp are aware of and actively working to improve, as ESPN’s Mike Schmitz noted back in January.
"“Consistency is the key for Okobo, who has started working with a sports psychologist to help him maintain a balanced approach.”"
If that work pays off, Okobo will hope to dramatically reduce the 3.81 turnovers per 36 minutes he averaged last season with Pau-Lacq-Orthez. Okobo’s turnovers can’t be attributed to an inability to execute simple passes or a lack of recognition, but they act as one of the more obvious ways in which he needs to improve his focus and decision-making.