In a whirlwind of draft-night drama, the Golden State Warriors snagged Australian rookie forward Alex Toohey, a 6-foot-8, 223-pound powerhouse who’s already turning heads—not just for his game but for a surprising revelation that’s got the NBA buzzing. Initially selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 52nd overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, Toohey was swiftly traded to the Warriors in a deal that sent the 41st pick, Koby Brea, to Phoenix in exchange for Toohey and the 59th pick, Jahmai Mashack. But it’s what happened off the court that’s stealing the spotlight.
Before the draft, Toohey, fresh off a stellar stint with the Sydney Kings in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), reportedly had a pre-draft workout with Golden State that he described as a disaster—one of his worst, according to NBC Sports reporter Dalton Johnson. In a moment of raw honesty, the young forward apologized to the Warriors, thanking them for looking beyond his shaky performance and diving deeper into his scouting reports. This candid “confession” has sparked intrigue, painting Toohey as both a humble talent and a player ready to prove himself on the NBA stage.
Toohey’s resume speaks for itself. Over three seasons with the Sydney Kings, he averaged 10.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.8 blocks in just 23 minutes per game. His 45/31/73 shooting splits on 8.4 field goal attempts, 2.9 three-point tries, and 2.9 free-throw attempts earned him the prestigious NBL Next Generation award, marking him as one of Australia’s brightest basketball prospects. With a skill set drawing comparisons to role players like Doug McDermott and Max Strus, and playmaking potential akin to international stars Josh Giddey and Franz Wagner, Toohey’s ceiling is sky-high.
Alex Toohey says his Warriors workout was one of his worst. When they called after drafting him Toohey apologized for his workout and thanked the Warriors for doing deeper scouting before that
— Dalton Johnson (@DaltonJ_Johnson) June 30, 2025
For the Warriors, Toohey’s arrival adds length, versatility, and depth to an already dynamic roster. His 6-foot-8 frame and knack for defensive plays—evidenced by his steals and blocks—make him a perfect fit for Golden State’s fast-paced, switch-heavy system. Analysts are particularly optimistic about his potential to develop into a reliable 3-point shooter and playmaker, addressing key areas of need for the team.
While his draft-night “confession” may have raised eyebrows, it’s clear Toohey’s talent and work ethic are no secret. As he steps onto the NBA stage, all eyes will be on this Australian rookie to see if he can turn his pre-draft stumble into a story of redemption and rise to stardom with the Warriors. One thing’s for sure: the 2025 season just got a whole lot more exciting.