Tokoto expects limited role
LAS VEGAS – J. P. Tokoto is far from delusional when it comes to playing for the 76ers.
"I know what it is," the rookie said of his role. "I'm a realist. I know what it is coming into it.
"Being a defensive guy coming in, whether it's garbage minutes or giving the vet, you know the guy playing more minutes than me, giving him a breather, coming in disrupting the other team's offense."
Right now, the 58th overall pick out of North Carolina is more of an athlete than a polished basketball player. He'll make one spectacular dunk in transition while struggling to shoot the ball. However, in college Tokoto's task was the cover the opposing team's best perimeter player. He excelled in that role, being a two-time all-Atlantic Coast Conference defensive team selection.
For now, the 21-year-old has embraced being a defensive-minded role player.
He shot 33.3 percent while averaging 4.7 points and 6.0 rebounds in last week's Utah Jazz Summer League in Salt Lake City. Tokoto is averaging 5.7 points and 3.0 bounds and has a total of 5 steals through four games in the NBA Summer League. He's shooting 35.3 percent. The Sixers conclude the summer league in Friday's 4 p.m. consolation game against the Houston Rockets at Cox Pavilion.
Tokoto is having a great time during his introduction to pro basketball.
"I love the speed of the game," he said. "I like playing fast. Even teams that walk the ball up, when they get in half court, it's constant moving. "
Follow Inquirer 76ers beat writer Keith Pompey on Twitter @PompeyOnSixers and on Instagram at PompeyOnSixers
