John Tonje did what he could at NBA Summer League.
Now, what happens next with the Boston Celtics' roster is mostly out of his control.
Tonje can at least feel good about the fact that he performed well to make a good roster case.
Besides, Tonje is "delusional," he says. He simply believes that he has an NBA future, no matter what anyone says or no matter how long the odds might be.
“I’m pretty confident,” Tonje told Celtics Blog. “I’m pretty confident — maybe even delusional. I can’t lose that. I think I’m an NBA player, and that’s what I’m striving to get to, and be at. So I like where I’m at right now, and I’m just gonna keep working.”
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Self-belief is one of the most important things an athlete can have, and Tonje certainly has it.
He's originally from Omaha, Nebraska, and his college career took him from Colorado State to Missouri to Wisconsin.
Now 25 years old, Tonje was the No. 53 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz. They never gave him a chance, though, and Tonje instead got six games with the Celtics as a rookie.
Tonje may have an uphill climb even to a two-way spot, but he's not going to stop working up the hill that's in front of him, even if it's steep.
He finished his Summer League with a 14-point outing against the Orlando Magic on Saturday.
He averaged 14.8 points per game in the Celtics' five games in Vegas, and he shot 45.2% from beyond the 3-point line, which is ridiculous.
Improved defense could help make the case for a Tonje roster spot.
If he doesn't make the NBA roster, he'll likely keep lighting it up in the G League like he did a year ago. No matter where he is, though, Tonje won't stop believing in himself.
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