J.P. Tokoto: Phoenix Suns 2015 Draft Profile

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 25, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward J.P. Tokoto (13) dunks during practice before the semifinal of the west regional at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Conclusion

J.P. Tokoto has the chance to carve out his role with an NBA team as another second round success story, but I’d be surprised if that happened in Phoenix.

His potential on the defensive end is not negligible, but his offense needs a dramatic overhaul for him to be worth taking over some of the big men, shooters or upside picks that will still be available halfway through the second round.

Even if the Suns were to create positional overlap at the 3, they’d most likely do so by drafting a small forward who can spread the floor with a three-point shot, not one who might be able to defend two positions one day.

At the moment, P.J. Tucker, T.J. Warren and Marcus Morris have that position fully stocked (not to mention the league maximum for players with two initials for first names), so unless the Suns have a future trade lined up, don’t count on J.P. Tokoto joining that group of small forwards.

Next: Aaron Harrison: Phoenix Suns 2015 Draft Profile

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