JUST IN: Kings Tied to Wisconsin’s Highly-Rated Breakout Guard in 2025 NBA Draft

With the 2025 NBA Draft just days away, excitement is building as the next generation of basketball talent prepares to take the stage on June 25 and 26. While teams across the league are finalizing their strategies for the opening round on Wednesday, June 25, others—like the Sacramento Kings—are focused on opportunities that may come on Day 2.

Due to a prior trade with the Atlanta Hawks, the Kings won’t be making a selection in the first round this year. Though the front office has reportedly been exploring potential deals to re-enter the opening round, as things currently stand, Sacramento’s lone pick comes in the second round at No. 42 overall.

In ESPN’s most recent mock draft, the Kings are projected to use that 42nd pick on John Tonje, a standout guard who enjoyed a breakout season with the Wisconsin Badgers. After transferring to Wisconsin, Tonje made an immediate impact, averaging an impressive 19.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. He was efficient from the field, shooting 46.5%, and knocked down nearly 39% of his attempts from beyond the arc.

Tonje’s journey to becoming one of college basketball’s top scorers in 2025 wasn’t without its challenges. Earlier in his career, he struggled with injuries during stints at Colorado State and Missouri. However, his lone season with the Badgers marked a turning point, as he stayed healthy and led Wisconsin to the second round of the NCAA Tournament before they were eliminated by BYU and rising star Egor Demin.

At 6-foot-5, Tonje has the size and scoring instincts that could make him a valuable contributor off the bench in Sacramento. While he’s primarily known for his offensive prowess, Tonje also brings strong rebounding and defensive capabilities. If he can further refine his passing and playmaking, there’s potential for him to evolve into a combo guard—and possibly even handle point guard duties down the line.

For a Kings team looking to boost its backcourt depth, especially with questions surrounding the second unit, Tonje could be an ideal fit. As a mature, 24-year-old rookie with a proven scoring resume and two-way potential, he may offer Sacramento immediate value late in the draft.