John Tonje, Boston Celtics
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John Tonje, Boston Celtics
After a stellar showing for the Boston Celtics throughout this year’s Las Vegas Summer League, John Tonje has signed a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“The Portland Trail Blazers are signing guard John Tonje on a two-way NBA contract, George Roussakis and Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tell ESPN,” Charania reported. “Tonje appeared in six games for the Celtics last season as a rookie.”
Tonje spent part of last season on a two-way contract with the Celtics. He also made six regular-season appearances for Joe Mazzulla’s team in what was his rookie year. Nevertheless, it was earlier this month that Tonje proved himself as a potential scoring threat at the NBA level.
In five games for Amile Jefferson’s Summer League roster, Tonje averaged 14.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1 assist per game. He shot 51% from the field and an impressive 45.2% from three-point range.
Tonje was expected to battle Milos Uzan for a two-way spot with the Maine Celtics once Boston returned for training camp. However, the Trail Blazers have moved quickly to add some cost-controlled firepower to their roster, while also giving Tonje the opportunity to continue his development in the G League.
Amile Jefferson Recently Praised John Tonje
During a media availability in Las Vegas, Amile Jefferson had high praise for Tonje and the work he’s put in throughout Summer League.
“Everyone wanted to see the defense from John, and I think he showed that at a super high level,” Jefferson said. “I’ve talked the entire week about how proud I am with the effort he’s given, and most of that has come defensively.”
Jefferson continued.
“Obviously, he is a high-level shot maker at all three levels…and so you just want to see for his position: can you guard the ball? Can you pressure the ball? Be at your shifts? Can you be where you need to be? And I think he showed that at a high level.”
Tonje clearly impressed the Trail Blazers, too, as they moved quickly to secure his services.
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