The Salt Lake City Stars have played four games early in this G League season, and they are 3-1, with some impressive team performances. There are three former Badgers on this same G-League team, and yet only one has even found the floor: John Tonje. Max Klesmit and Steven Crowl have yet to record a single minute this season.
Not a great sign for those two, but both of them know what it means to work hard, prove themselves, and take advantage of opportunities, so when their name is called, they will be ready.
Tonje, on the other hand, has had a very encouraging start to his G-League career. He has been a starter in all four games and has averaged 26.5 minutes per game. He has scored a total of 55 points, with a high of 21 points in the only loss Salt Lake has had.
John Tonje has started every game in the G-League so far this season
Related: Nick Boyd is doing something only John Tonje and Johnny Davis has done for Wisconsin
In those four games, he's averaging 13.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.8 assists. It's not startling or marvelous numbers, but it's encouraging. Those may not get him called up to the NBA shortly, but he shows he's finding his footing and can be a scoring option off the bench if the Utah Jazz need it.
It will probably take an injury or two before Tonje gets his name called, as the Jazz currently don't need an extra guard, which is probably for the best for Tonje. Sitting on the bench isn't going to help his development or readiness; these G-League reps are giving him playing time and helping him acclimate to the NBA life and culture.
As for Klesmit and Crowl, they will also need an injury or two to find their way into the rotation for the Salt Lake City Stars. Right now, they haven't had a chance, but they are on the team for a reason, and the Jazz scouts and front office think they are worth stashing in the G-League.