Golden State Eyes Aussie Phenom in Latest Draft Buzz: Could Alex Toohey Be the Next Hidden Gem?
Draft season in the NBA is like March Madness for front offices—rumors fly, player stocks rise and fall, and teams dive deep into film and scouting reports, hunting for that one future star who slipped under the radar. For the Golden State Warriors, the speculation is heating up around the No. 41 overall pick in the second round of this year's NBA Draft.
While mock drafts have been all over the place regarding who the Warriors might grab, one thing is clear: Golden State has options—and they’re not afraid to take a chance. From seasoned college vets who can plug into the system right away, to long-term upside projects, it’s anyone’s guess. But one name is making waves in the latest mocks: Alex Toohey.
Yep, you read that right. According to Cody Taylor of USA TODAY's Rookie Wire, the Warriors are projected to go international and draft Australia's Alex Toohey. With the 11th pick in the second round, this would be a bold, forward-thinking move for a franchise that thrives on developing hidden talent.
Let’s Break It Down: Who is Alex Toohey?
Standing 6-foot-7 and only 21 years old, Toohey has been turning heads Down Under while playing in Australia's National Basketball League (NBL)—a league that’s quickly becoming a legit pipeline to the NBA. Just ask LaMelo Ball or Josh Giddey.
Toohey spent the last two seasons suiting up for the Sydney Kings, where he averaged:
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10.6 points per game
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44.9% from the field
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4 rebounds
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1.4 steals
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1.3 assists
That stat line isn’t jaw-dropping at first glance, but you’ve got to factor in his age, the physicality of the NBL, and how balanced the Kings’ offensive system is. Toohey isn't just raw numbers—he’s all hustle, versatility, and potential.
What Makes Toohey Special?
Let’s not forget, the kid earned the NBL’s Next Generation Award, a prestigious title given to the league’s best player under 25. That speaks volumes. He’s already competing—and excelling—against grown men in a professional setting, and that gives him a massive edge over a lot of NCAA prospects who’ve never faced that level of physicality or intensity.
Even more intriguing? Toohey was once headed for the NCAA spotlight. Back in 2022, he committed to play for Mark Few and the Gonzaga Bulldogs—one of the most respected programs in college hoops. But in a surprising twist, he decommitted in 2023 and decided to take the pro route in the NBL instead.
That move shows maturity and self-awareness. It tells you this kid isn’t afraid to take risks and bet on himself. That’s the kind of mentality Steve Kerr and Mike Dunleavy Jr. love in a player.
Warriors' Draft Strategy: Plug-and-Play or Long-Term Investment?
This draft marks a bit of a turning point for the Warriors. With veterans like Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green getting older, Golden State has to walk the fine line between staying competitive now and rebuilding for the future.
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Do they grab a college vet who could give them immediate minutes off the bench?
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Or do they swing for upside and draft a high-ceiling player like Toohey, who might be two years away but has a bigger long-term impact?
Going international with a player like Toohey suggests Golden State is willing to be patient. It also signals that player development will continue to be a priority, even as they remain playoff contenders.
What Toohey Could Bring to Golden State
Toohey’s game fits like a glove in the Warriors’ system:
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He’s got solid size and strength for a wing.
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His defensive instincts are already impressive.
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Offensively, he can hit the open shot, cut smartly, and doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact.
He’s not a flashy iso scorer, but that’s not what the Warriors need. They thrive on ball movement, high-IQ cuts, and positionless defense—and Toohey checks those boxes.
Even if he doesn’t crack the rotation immediately, Toohey could easily start out in the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors and develop like Jonathan Kuminga or Moses Moody did.
Draft Dates & What’s Next
Set your calendars! The 2025 NBA Draft kicks off on June 25 with the first round, and the second round—where Toohey is projected to go—follows on June 26, both taking place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
We all know the Warriors aren’t strangers to finding gems outside the lottery. Draymond Green? 35th overall. Jordan Poole? Late first round. If there’s any franchise that knows how to scout and nurture unpolished talent, it’s this one.
Quick Highlights: Why Toohey to Golden State Makes Sense
🔥 Young but already professional: He’s been thriving in a pro league since age 19.
🎯 Warriors need wings: With their aging core and uncertain depth chart, Toohey could be a great low-risk, high-reward pick.
🇦🇺 International flavor: The Dubs have always embraced global talent (hello, Andrew Bogut & Nemanja Bjelica).
🏀 Next Generation winner: Toohey’s not just "some guy"—he’s already earned accolades at the pro level.
👀 The long game: Golden State’s not just trying to win now—they’re building the next dynasty.
Final Thoughts
Will the Warriors actually pull the trigger on Alex Toohey come draft night? It’s tough to say. But with so much buzz around the Aussie wing and his fit with Golden State’s culture and system, it’s a scenario that’s becoming more likely by the day.
One thing’s for sure: whoever lands Toohey is getting a player with upside, poise, and a real hunger to prove himself on the NBA stage.
So, Warriors fans—keep an eye on that second round. The next chapter of the Golden State dynasty might just begin with a kid from Sydney.
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