J.P. Tokoto gambled on himself and declared for the 2015 NBA draft. The junior out of the University of North Carolina sort of won by getting drafted 58th overall and most likely fulfilling a lifelong dream of making it to the NBA, but he also got drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers, who seem to have no interest at all in fielding a competitive roster in the short term. So… you win some, you lose some.
Tokoto isn’t exactly playing great in his first taste of professional basketball either. He’s looked overwhelmed in the halfcourt offense, and it doesn’t help that he can’t space the floor an inch. But when he gets up-and-down the court in transition, he proved that he can be a weapon at UNC. Check out this finish off the lob against the Nets.
J.P. Tokoto ELEVATES for the slam on @NBATV! #NBARapidReplay #NBASummer http://t.co/w35URnmmap
— NBA (@NBA) July 15, 2015
The 76ers tend to scrap anyone not a part of their long-term rebuild. But Tokoto’s athleticism and transition game makes his upside appealing, and the 76ers should give him ample playing time if he makes the team.
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