Ranking the five best NBA landing spots for Wisconsin basketball star John Tonje
Ranking the five best NBA landing spots for Wisconsin basketball star John Tonje
Former Wisconsin basketball star and All-American wing John Tonje has been making a name for himself at the NBA combine this past week, both in the measurement and skill drills.
Tonje played well during the event's second full scrimmage, scoring 17 points and totaling seven rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal. Such a performance against a court full of NBA hopefuls can be an immense help as the standout wing works to rise up teams' draft boards.
Tonje is looking to become Wisconsin's fourth player drafted since 2015, when Frank Kaminsky and Sam Dekker each went in the first round, and first since 2022, when Johnny Davis went No. 10 overall. He's currently projected as a mid-second-round selection.
With the combine now complete and the 2025 NBA draft still over a month away, here is our ranking of Tonje's five best landing spots:
5. Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are the last team on this list simply because they've been among the best at getting the most out of upperclassmen college prospects. Some of those names include Christian Braun, former conference rival Jalen Pickett, Julian Strawther, and Hunter Tyson. The Nuggets are in win-now mode as Nikola Jokic continues to play like a world-class player. Adding another offensive depth piece like John Tonje could make a difference.
Key rotation players Michael Porter Jr. and Russell Westbrook have expiring contracts either this season or next, meaning they could be expensive to retain in addition to Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun. Taking a chance on a player like Tonje, who would fit the Porter Jr. scoring role extremely well, could be a savvy move for the Nuggets as they try and stay below the second apron salary cap. Plus, just think about how many highlight dunks and three-pointers Tonje could have if Jokic was passing to him.
There is a trend that you might be able to pick up on in this article. Most of the teams that are the best fits for John Tonje have had success developing older college prospects into quality NBA talent. One of the best franchises in that regard is the Miami Heat. In just the 2020s, the Heat have helped revitalize the careers of many four to five year college stars, including Duncan Robinson, Gabe Vincent, and Max Strus. John Tonje could fit into the Erik Spoelstra offense seamlessly, playing with some of the most underrated young talent in the Eastern Conference in Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kel'el Ware. Since trading Jimmy Butler to the Warriors, the Heat are in need of a guard/forward who can create their own shot but also be a threat in the interior. Tonje fits that bill perfectly and would thrive in Miami from the jump.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are another NBA franchise that has utilized former Big Ten stars in their rotation. Both Iowa center Luka Garza and Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. have found roles in Minnesota, next to superstar Anthony Edwards and other young pieces Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid. The Timberwolves, who have made made back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances for the first time in franchise history, could benefit from a sniper like John Tonje, since starters Julius Randle and Naz Reid are entering the final seasons of their contracts. Grabbing a veteran like Tonje late in the second round for cheap could make sense for a Timberwolves team that hopes to stay a contender for the years to come with Edwards at the helm.
2. Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have found success with multiple older former Big Ten players in Pat Spencer and Trayce Jackson-Davis, both of whom are key contributors in head coach Steve Kerr's rotation. John Tonje not only fits the three-point prowess that Kerr and the organization love, but he also brings a level of experience and size to a Warriors team that is extremely guard-oriented. The team could benefit from a bigger bodied, guard/forward in Tonje. Additionally, it's fun to imagine Tonje playing alongside future hall of famers Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler.
1. New York Knicks
This one feels like a no-brainer. The New York Knicks have established themselves as one of the best teams for player development in the NBA, with many former college stars, including Miles "Deuce" McBride and Tyler Kolek, finding roles on the team. In addition, former Badger Johnny Davis currently plays for the Westchester Knicks, and is off to the best start to a season of his professional career. An older prospect like John Tonje would fit well with the Knicks' offensive style of play and hard-working mindset.
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