The California Classic preseason showdown between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers was set to be a thrilling spectacle, with NBA superstar Steph Curry among the thousands of fans packing the stands. The two-time MVP was ready to cheer on his team’s newest talents, but in a stunning turn of events, two of the Warriors’ highly anticipated rookies were sidelined at the last minute, leaving fans and Curry himself disappointed.
According to Warriors beat reporter Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area, second-round draft picks Alex Toohey and Will Richard were ruled ineligible to play in Saturday’s contest. The reason? Their draft-day trades to Golden State have yet to be finalized, leaving them stuck on the sidelines for what was supposed to be their grand debut in Warriors uniforms.
A Draft Day Drama
The Warriors made some savvy moves during the 2025 NBA Draft to secure these promising young players. Golden State traded their 41st overall pick to slide down the draft board, acquiring the 59th and 52nd picks in return. With the 52nd pick, they selected Alex Toohey, a 6-foot-8 Australian forward with a reputation for versatility. Later, the Warriors flipped the 59th pick in another deal to move up to No. 56, where they nabbed Will Richard, a sharpshooting guard with a knack for defense.
Seth Cooper (Director of Player Development) sitting with Warriors’ draftees Alex Toohey and Will Richard who are ineligible to play today pending their respective trades. pic.twitter.com/0JljGZJC5x
— r/Warriors 🏆 (@GSWReddit) July 5, 2025
However, the NBA’s paperwork hasn’t caught up with the Warriors’ ambitions. The pending trades mean Toohey and Richard are still not officially Warriors, forcing them to sit out the high-profile matchup against the Lakers.
Who Are These Rookies?
Alex Toohey, a 21-year-old forward from Australia, brings professional experience from the National Basketball League (NBL). Known for his defensive prowess and ability to slash and cut through defenses, Toohey could be a seamless fit in Golden State’s dynamic, motion-heavy offense. His size and versatility make him an intriguing prospect for a team looking to bolster its frontcourt depth.
Will Richard, meanwhile, is the epitome of a 3-and-D guard. During his college career at Florida, he established himself as a reliable long-range shooter while also earning praise for his rebounding tenacity—an uncommon skill for a guard. His ability to stretch the floor and lock down opponents could make him a fan favorite in Golden State.
What’s Next for the Warriors?
With Toohey and Richard sidelined, Warriors fans, including Curry, will have to wait a little longer to see their new rookies in action. The team’s next opportunity comes quickly, as they face the San Antonio Spurs at home on Sunday in another preseason clash. If the trades are finalized in time, Toohey and Richard could make their debuts, giving fans a glimpse of the future.
For now, the Warriors’ faithful can only hope the front office sorts out the paperwork swiftly. With Steph Curry watching from the stands, the absence of these rookies was a bitter pill to swallow, but the anticipation for their eventual debut is only growing stronger.