With the first round of the NBA Draft just one day away, Badger fans won't have to wait too much longer to learn the fate of John Tonje. So far, he's been projected as high as 25, and as low as undrafted, so where he might land is a complete mystery. There is one landing place, however, that makes more sense than the rest.
Where is Tonje's best fit in the 2025 NBA Draft?
Despite making the playoffs, at 31.8%, the Orlando Magic were the worst three-point shooting team in the league this past season. Their recent trade for Grizzlies star Desmond Bane will help on that front, but they need more shooting. Enter John Tonje, who is one of the best shooters in this year's draft after nailing 39% of his threes and over 90% of his free throws in his lone year at Wisconsin.
The Magic were also (go figure) a poor free throw shooting team and the worst in the postseason at just 68%.
The Magic hold the 46th selection in the draft, which is right in the middle of Tonje's projected range. If he's still on the board, Orlando would be hard-pressed to pass on a player who would elevate their bench shooting immediatly. At 24, Tonje is an older prospect, but it also means he has the experience and the body to slide right into an NBA lineup. At this point, it would seem pretty shocking if Tonje fell completely out of the draft.
While it would be fun to see Tonje go to the Bucks just one pick later, Milwaukee is lacking a first round pick and may elect to go with a younger player with a higher ceiling. Orlando offers a team ready to win now, in need of backcourt depth, and best matches Tonje's skillset.