While the Boston Celtics battled it out against the Spurs in San Antonio Tuesday, their newest player, two-way guard John Tonje put together a career-night in the G-League. Tonje’s 42-points led the Maine Celtics to a 119-112 win over the first-place Osceola Magic.
The Nebraska native caught fire from long range and knocked down eight of his 12 attempts from beyond the arc. He finished the night 12-20 from the field and ripped down seven rebounds to accompany his huge scoring night.
Tonje joined the Celtics last month at the Feb. 5 trade deadline. He came from the Utah Jazz, who traded him to Boston for Chris Boucher.
Utah drafted Tonje in the second round last year, after an impressive first-team All-Big 10 season with Wisconsin. Since joining the Celtics, he has yet to see any NBA opportunity. His only run has come up in Maine with Boston’s G-League affiliate, the Maine Celtics. Through his first two appearances with them, Tonje has averaged 25 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
The Cs briefly converted the 25-year-old’s contract to a 10-day deal as part of a larger cap gymnastics play, but reverted him to a two-way once the window passed by.
John Tonje hopes to get on the Celtics' development track
Since joining the Celtics, Tonje hasn’t seen many NBA minutes. He’s appeared in just three games and has logged 11 total minutes. He’s spent most of his time in Maine thus far. Tonje has suited up for the G-League Cs five times where he’s averaged 22.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game on 44.4% from the field and 38.9% from long range in 30.6 minutes a night.
“The player development here is amazing,” Tonje told MassLive after making his NBA debut in Denver last month. “Came here and instantly kind of set a plan. We’ve been getting after it ever since. I feel like I’m in a great place. Improving each day. Getting to know everyone, so it’s been awesome.”
Boston’s helped several players reach their NBA potential through the Maine pipeline. Guys like Luke Kornet, Sam Hauser, Baylor Scheierman, and even Ron Harper Jr. have seen their consistent effort pay dividends with opportunities in Boston.
“It’s been great,” Tonje continued. “Trying to learn on the fly. Learn everything I can. It’s been cool to be around the people in this program. A lot of high-character people, talent. I’m just really trying to make the most of it.”