Despite the NBA playoffs being in full swing, mock drafts continue to roll in ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, set to take place on Wednesday, June 25th. This event will mark the beginning of a new chapter for many young prospects eagerly awaiting their name to be called.
For the Golden State Warriors, this year’s draft presents a single opportunity to add talent, as they currently hold only one selection—the 41st overall pick. According to a recent mock draft by The Athletic, the Warriors are projected to use that pick on Wisconsin wing John Tonje. Given Golden State’s depth issues over the past few seasons, targeting a seasoned and versatile player like Tonje would be a logical move.
What John Tonje Brings to the Table
At 24 years old, Tonje enters the draft as one of the older prospects, having played six seasons of college basketball. However, his maturity and scoring ability make him a compelling option. In his lone season with the Wisconsin Badgers, Tonje averaged 19.6 points per game, catching the attention of NBA scouts.
Lorin Cox of Wisconsin Badgers on SI noted that while Tonje may be considered a developmental player, landing in the right system—such as Golden State’s—could help him grow into a valuable contributor.
“While he’s likely to remain in that second-round range, a landing spot like Golden State could be ideal,” Cox wrote. “Veteran teammates like Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green could provide excellent mentors who can show him what it takes to succeed at the professional level.”
At 6-foot-5 and 218 pounds, Tonje possesses solid size for a wing. With Gary Payton II set to enter free agency this offseason, the Warriors could view Tonje as a cost-effective replacement off the bench. If selected, he would become just the second Wisconsin player drafted in the past decade, joining Johnny Davis.
“It could be an uphill battle for him to stick on a Warriors roster loaded with talent,” Cox added, “but a player like Tonje could step in and provide a much cheaper alternative to come off the bench.”
A Look Back at Tonje’s College Journey
Tonje’s path to the NBA has been anything but straightforward. After receiving limited attention out of high school, he began his collegiate career at Colorado State, where he played under head coach Niko Medved for four seasons. Initially coming off the bench, Tonje broke out during the 2021–22 season, posting 9.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.9 assists over 30 games (12 starts).
In 2022–23, he solidified his reputation, starting all 33 games and averaging 14.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. He transferred to Missouri the following season but struggled to find his footing, averaging just 2.6 points in eight appearances. Tonje then transferred to Wisconsin, where he enjoyed a standout final season that reinvigorated his draft stock.
Leave a Reply