New York Knicks: Reasons To Love The J.P. Tokoto Signing
![Jan 10, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward J.P. Tokoto (13) during warm ups at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports Jan 10, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward J.P. Tokoto (13) during warm ups at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e6475b7ab92c9498d06a45a1152c73b1a6bcd17fa6d4fd3c0d7d9aa3da8277d7.jpg)
1. No Risk
At this stage, the most appealing aspect of any potential signing is how minimal the risk would be. The New York Knicks are hoping to find a player to fill the 15th roster spot, meaning they’d likely be signed for the most affordable rate imaginable.
Thus, as it pertains to J.P. Tokoto, the Knicks can comfortably explore his upside without risking very much at all.
As has been established, Tokoto is an appealing young player on a number of fronts. He’s an explosive athlete with significant defensive potential and a surprisingly strong touch as a facilitator.
Though he’s not exactly Andre Iguodala, at 22 years of age, Tokoto has upside that’s worth exploring—especially if it’s for a minimal cost.
Tokoto finished his first season in the D-League with an impressive combination of production and efficiency. He averaged 11.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.4 offensive boards, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 steals on 46.0 percent shooting from the field.
Tokoto isn’t much of a shooter, but if there’s anyone who can help him improve, it’s the coach who, when he was playing, taped his left thumb to his hand to improve his shooting form: Jeff Hornacek.
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There are a number of intriguing options at this stage, but few can match Tokoto’s upside.