Since the NBA Summer Leagues have all come to a close, it means that training camps are right around the corner.
As each team looks to fill out its 20-man camp roster, many players are receiving the chance of a lifetime to prove they belong.
Former UNC small forward JP Tokoto is no different.
The uber-athletic, 6-foot-6 swingman agreed to a partially-guaranteed training camp deal with the New York Knicks on Monday–as he tries to carve out a place at the next level.
After skipping his senior year in Chapel Hill to enter the 2015 NBA Draft, Tokoto was ultimately selected late in the second round by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Tokoto made a number of highlight plays at the rim during his time at UNC, but he often relied too much on his superior athleticism to get by. (Todd Melet)
He was eventually cut by the team, before going on to play for the Oklahoma City Blue in the NBA Developmental League.
In 48 games for the Blue–where he played about 27 minutes a night–he averaged 11.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and two assists per outing.
He also made an appearance in the D-League Dunk Contest at the league’s All-Star Weekend.
As a result, the former Tar Heel was given a chance on the Knicks’ Summer League roster this past July.
Although his statistics were similar to those he put up in the D-League–10.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists–Tokoto showed that he has the same glaring hole in his game that’s always been there.
His inability to consistently make shots this summer (40 percent on all field goals, 28 percent from three-point range) has brought into question whether he’ll be able to ultimately make the final cut after camp ends.
While his highlight slams have brought many fans to their feet–and to Youtube–they’ve never counted as anything more than two points on the court.
In order to truly prove his worth to teams at the NBA level, Tokoto will have to continue developing his all-around game.
Should he be able to pair that with his tantalizing athleticism, there could be a bright future ahead–whether it be in New York or elsewhere.
It’s that high-potential ceiling, more than anything else, that explains the Knicks’ decision to give him a chance.
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