Former Badger John Tonje was drafted last year by the Utah Jazz, but was shipped off to Boston at the trade deadline a few weeks ago. He has been spending time with the Celtics' G-League affiliate, and it seems has already made a strong impression.
In just two games with Maine, Tonje is averaging 25 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, and his skills in Maine have already caught the eye of the Celtics who now plan to bring the young player up.
According to Hoops Hype, the Celtics are converting the two-way Tonje to a standard 10-day NBA deal.
Tonje will join the Celtics in Boston after impressive showing for the G-League Maine Celtics
Tonje was mostly an afterthought out in Utah, but has now found a home in Boston after the trade. His impressive showing at the G-League level has forced Boston's hand after just two games. And while it will likely be Ron Harper who eventually takes that last roster spot for the Celtics, Tonje has a nice opportunity to shine at the NBA level for at least a short while.
While Tonje can score at will, his defense is still the main thing holding him back from being a significant contributor at the NBA level. Still, Boston has an elite development system, and it may not be long before Tonje starts earning real minutes for the Celtics. While that may not be this season, there's plenty of reasons to be excited about where his career is heading after the trade.
Tonje was a transfer who came in an immediately turned the Badgers into a legitimate NCAA Tournament threat. He won All-American honors in his lone season at Wisconsin, and turned that success into a second round draft pick in last year's draft. Now, his next challenge awaits in Boston.