Cavs NBA Draft Profile: John Tonje

Tonje is an elite shot-maker.

The Cleveland Cavaliers don’t have many easy options for improvement this summer. One of the most beneficial things they could do is hit on a second-round draft pick. Even someone who is capable of eating regular-season minutes at a position of need would be huge.

Cleveland holds the 49th and 58th picks. It’s unlikely they find a hidden gem here. But it’s not impossible.

We’ll be keeping tabs on prospects all month, leading up to the draft on June 25. Our focus today is on John Tonje.

Who is John Tonje?

Tonje is a 6’5” guard who shot the lights out during his senior year at Wisconsin. He nailed over 40% of his catch-and-shoot three-point attempts last season and has been praised for this off-ball movement. There are concerns about his long-term ceiling and athleticism — but limitations such as those are to be expected with prospects this deep into the draft.

The 24-year-old prospect averaged 18.9 points and 5.1 rebounds last season. He’s been compared to Max Strus by Yahoo Sports.

Where is Tonje expected to go in the draft?

Tonje has been projected as a middle second-round prospect. ESPN has him listed as 42nd on their latest big board. This means he could be available when the Cavs are up to select at 49th.

What do the experts say about Tonje?

Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports:

“Tonje will enter the NBA at age 24 with some readymade skills as an off-ball movement scorer and shooter. But his athletic ceiling and defense will determine if he’s more than just a backup.”

Matt Babcock of Babcok Hoops:

“Tonje’s shot-making and scoring ability stand out, and he’s certainly helped himself with his stellar play. He was terrific at Wisconsin this past season.”

If you’re waiting for the downsides, Jace Derryberry lists them here:

“[Tonje’s] off-ball defensive consistency and lack of elite athleticism raise concerns about his ability to reach the next level.”

How could Tonje help the Cavs?

The Cavs probably don’t need another 6’5” tweener. A true wing, a backup big or a traditional point guard are higher on the priority list. But if Tonje has legit shot-making abilities — he might be hard to overlook.

Tonje might be an older prospect, but there’s still room for him to grow. If the Strus comparison is anything valid, then it’s easy to see how Tonje can help the Cavs and offer them some lineup versatility. Any improvements to Tonje’s on-ball creation or defensive instincts would make him a valuable role player if the shooting translates.

On the other hand, a 6’5” guard with questionable athleticism and who can’t defend in isolation is a tough sell for this Cavs team.