In a savvy move that could ripple across the NBA for years to come, the Golden State Warriors made a calculated play in the 2025 NBA Draft, selecting Australian wing Alex Toohey with the No. 52 overall pick. The Warriors, known for their knack for unearthing hidden gems, traded their No. 41 pick to the Phoenix Suns to secure both the No. 52 and No. 59 selections, setting the stage for Toohey to join their storied franchise.
At 6-foot-8, the 21-year-old forward from the Sydney Kings in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL) brings a tantalizing blend of size, skill, and swagger to Golden State. Toohey averaged a respectable 10.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in his second NBL season, but those numbers only scratch the surface of his potential. His game, polished by professional experience Down Under, caught the eyes of multiple NBA teams who made the trek to Australia to scout him, according to ESPN. Toohey’s invitation to the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, one of just 75 prospects selected, further underscored his rising stock.
The Golden State Warriors have selected Sydney’s Alex Toohey with the No. 52 pick.
A tough, versatile forward who brings feel for the game, consistent motor, length and anticipation on the defensive end. pic.twitter.com/io4pGBVekQ
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 27, 2025
“I feel like I’m gonna surprise some people over there,” Toohey told ESPN last month, brimming with confidence. “Pretty much every area a basketball player can show, I’m ready to make an impact.” That bold mindset, paired with his versatile skill set, makes him a perfect fit for the Warriors’ system—a team that thrives on dynamic wings who can shoot, move, and disrupt.
Hey @warriors fans, this is what you can expect from NBL Next Star Alex Toohey 👀 pic.twitter.com/4IbvDU4AGc
— NBL (@NBL) June 27, 2025
Golden State’s decision to snag Toohey late in the draft isn’t just a low-risk pickup; it’s a strategic bet on a player who could become a nightmare for opposing defenses. His length and athleticism scream “modern NBA wing,” capable of guarding multiple positions while stretching the floor with his shooting. For a Warriors team looking to blend their championship core with young talent, Toohey represents a potential steal who could grow into a key contributor alongside Steph Curry and company.
As Toohey prepares to showcase his talents in the Bay Area, the rest of the league might soon regret letting him slip to No. 52. The Warriors have a history of turning late picks into stars—think Draymond Green—and Toohey’s arrival signals they’re not done mining for gold. Stay tuned to NBC Sports Bay Area and California for the latest Warriors news, highlights, and analysis as Toohey begins his NBA journey, ready to prove he’s more than just a draft pick… he’s a problem in the making.