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J.P. Tokoto: Phoenix Suns 2015 Draft Profile

By Gerald Bourguet

Jan 5, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward J.P. Tokoto (13) defends as Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Demetrius Jackson (11) dribbles in the second half. The Fighting Irish defeated the Tar Heels 71-70 at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward J.P. Tokoto (13) defends as Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Demetrius Jackson (11) dribbles in the second half. The Fighting Irish defeated the Tar Heels 71-70 at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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J.P. Tokoto
Mar 21, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward J.P. Tokoto (13) defends as Arkansas Razorbacks guard Michael Qualls (24) drives the ball in the first half of a game in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Strengths

Tokoto is not a particularly skilled player, especially on the offensive end of the floor. But he does have all the physical attributes necessary to compete at the next level as a lengthy wing with incredible bounce. He’s a terrific athlete as it is, but his quick feet aid him as a formidable defender as well.

Because on his size, length and footwork, Tokoto was able to defend multiple positions in college, and thanks to Draymond Green and the small-ball Golden State Warriors, teams will definitely be looking for that same kind of defensive versatility in drafts moving forward. It certainly doesn’t hurt that Green was also a second round pick, which might stick in teams’ heads when examining the crop of second round prospects.

Plus, as I may have mentioned, the dude can get UP in transition:

Though he needs work on the offensive end of the floor, Tokoto certainly doesn’t need help with his passing. The former Tar Heel possesses great court vision, averaging 4.3 assists per game last year — the second highest mark on the team behind point guard Marcus Paige. In fact, Tokoto actually led his team in assist percentage at 24 percent (among players who logged consistent minutes).

Tokoto is a smart player who can see the floor on one end and defend multiple positions on the other. He played the 3 in college, which may be trickier at the next level. But if he’s able to add strength, he might be able to use his superior size to harass shooting guards AND hold his own against small forwards.

Next: Weaknesses

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