John Tonje didn't expect to get traded at the deadline. The Boston Celtics acquired him in the deal that sent Chris Boucher to the Utah Jazz. While the news caught him off guard, he understood that there is a business side to life in the NBA.
A second-round pick in this year's NBA Draft, selected shortly after his new team took Amari Williams, Tonje arrived on a two-way deal. The Celtics have since signed him to a 10-day contract. While relocating is a whirlwind, he already feels like he is elevating his game within Boston's elite player development system.
"The player development here is amazing," Tonje told MassLive Friday night in Denver. "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."
Across 34 G League games for the Maine Celtics and Salt Lake City Stars this season, the six-foot-four guard is averaging 18.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.0 steals in 30.5 minutes per game.
Before entering the professional ranks, he spent the first four years of his collegiate career at Colorado State. He then took his talents to the University of Missouri before spending his final NCAA season at the University of Wisconsin.
It only took one year for him to become beloved by the Badgers' fan base. Tonje was a 2024-25 All-American Second Team selection. He set a Wisconsin NCAA Tournament scoring record, generating 37 points against BYU last March.
John Tonje is relishing the start of his Celtics tenure
The 24-year-old, who grew up about two hours from Baylor Scheierman and was an AAU teammate of his, shared that he is thoroughly enjoying this new chapter in his basketball journey.
"It's been great," voiced Tonje. "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."
The Nebraska native got to make his NBA debut in Boston's 97-81 victory vs. the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. And while he will likely stick with the Celtics on another two-way deal after his 10-day contract expires, it would allow him to continue developing within an elite infrastructure.
"Overall improvement," Tonje said. "Offensively and defensively. Find a way to impact winning is the main thing -- however that might look. It's different from game to game. Really just trying to impact winning."