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Kings Projected to Select Wisconsin's Breakout Guard in 2025 NBA Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Nathaniel Holloway | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 8:54 PM ET

The 2025 NBA Draft is quickly approaching as the next stars of the league are set to hear their named called on either June 25 or 26.

While many teams are preparing for the first round of the draft on Wednesday, June 25, others are preparing for the second round the day after, including the Sacramento Kings.

Of course, the Kings lost their first-round pick due to a prior trade with the Atlanta Hawks and while they have reportedly been trying to land another first-round pick via trade, they currently only hold the 42nd overall selection.

In a recent mock draft by ESPN , they have the Kings using the 42nd pick to select a breakout guard from the Wisconsin Badgers in John Tonje.

Tonje put together an incredible season for the Badgers last season, which was his first with Wisconsin.

The 6-5 guard finished the season averaging 19.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 46.5% from the field and 38.8% from three-point range.

This was a major change from his previous seasons at the college level with both Colorado State and Missouri where he struggled to stay healthy.

Despite this, Tonje was able to stay healthy in his only season with the Badgers as he became one of the best scorers in the country while leading Wisconsin to the second round of the tournament before they were upset by Egor Demin and BYU.

Because of his breakout campaign, the 24-year-old guard has quietly creeped up draft boards and he is projected to be a late second-round pick.

There is no doubt that Tonje would be a great addition to the Kings’ roster, especially with them struggling with guard depth.

While Tonje is known more for his scoring abilities, he is also a solid defender and rebounder and if he is able to develop his court vision and passing skills, he could end up fitting in as a point guard for the Kings if they elect to select him.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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