76ers' intentions with 2nd-round pick Tokoto unclear after conflicting reports
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J.P. Tokoto rolled the dice by entering the NBA draft in 2015, forgoing a senior season at North Carolina and a chance to play his way into the first round for 2016. His gambit may now require him to work his way through the international basketball scene to crack the NBA.
Drafted 58th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers, Tokoto is unlikely to sign with the team this season, CSN Philly reports.
That's somewhat surprising considering Tokoto's decision to enter the draft in the first place, and the fact that the 76ers have to offer him a non-guaranteed minimum contract to maintain his rights.
Sign it, and Tokoto could make a shade over $500,000, far more than he'd make taking the D-League route and probably in the neighborhood of his potential salary in one of the top European leagues. The Sixers could waive him at any point and leave him with no guaranteed money, but he'd then be free to sign with any team, not beholden to one franchise.
It's also a little surprising considering how well he seems to fit the Sixers' ethos, and because the team has only 10 guaranteed contracts on its books.
Confusing matters more is a report from Shams Charania of RealGM, which cites league sources who say Tokoto is discussing terms on a training camp deal with Philly.
Identified as a potential sleeper thanks to his strong perimeter defense - he may be able to guard three positions if he adds some strength - Tokoto is a jump shot away from earning the vaunted 3-and-D label. He shot an encouraging 12-of-32 from long range as a junior, is said to have shot well in the pre-draft process, and the Sixers are on record as believing they can develop shooting.
Armed with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, terrific athleticism, and incredibly quick feet, Tokoto should have value for his ability to stay in front of ball-handlers and disrupt passing lanes. Even if his stroke doesn't come along, he's a great passer from the wing and shouldn't be a complete zero on offense. And he can really dunk, which is fun, at least.
It remains possible the 76ers and Tokoto have agreed to a one-year draft stash that will allow him to further hone his offensive game, while delaying his rookie contract. Such an agreement would represent a bit of a risk for Tokoto without a tacit agreement in place for 2016-17, but the Sixers aren't exactly orthodox, so that's entirely possible.