The Golden State Warriors have gotten plenty of compliments for rookie second-round pick Will Richard, who already looks like one of the biggest steals of the 2025 NBA Draft. However, overshadowed by Richard’s excellent start has been Alex Toohey, the player Golden State selected three picks ahead of Richard. And at least at the moment, the early start to Toohey’s career leaves little room for optimism.
Toohey was drafted directly out of the NBL (Australian Pro League), where he spent two seasons with the Sydney Kings. He averaged 10.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 assists on .452/.302/.729 shooting in 22.9 minutes per game (30 games) last season with Sydney as a 20-year old. Scouts who were highest on Toohey saw the potential for him to be a versatile stretch four, who could hopefully develop a consistent three-point shot.
While Toohey still has not received much on-court time to showcase his skills since he was drafted, he has failed to shine in his limited opportunities. Across six summer league games, Toohey averaged just 6.8 points and 3.8 rebounds on abysmal 26.2% shooting from the field. He simply looked overwhelmed by the speed and athleticism of the game stateside. One consistent knock on Toohey heading into the draft was questions about whether he had the requisite athleticism to keep up with the modern NBA game. He has yet to prove those concerns unwarranted.
The Warriors signed Toohey to a two-way contract despite his unexceptional summer league. A knee injury kept Toohey sidelined for the entire preseason and most of the Santa Cruz Warriors early season, but he has appeared in two games with the Dubs G-League affiliate. Neither have gone particularly well. Toohey has gone 2-for-5 from three, but has just 14 points and 6 rebounds across more than 39 minutes of action in the offense-fueled G-League environment. He has also continued to struggle with efficiency, shooting 5-for-14 from the field.
Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. has received plenty of praise for several late-second round picks who have been able to stick on the NBA roster. Trayce Jackson-Davis, Quinten Post, and Will Richard all have proven to be excellent value finds. There is still plenty of time for Alex Toohey to turn things around and prove the Warriors draft room right once again, but at the moment, it seems like the Dubs did fail to find a future contributor with one of the team’s selection in the 2025 NBA Draft.