Alex Toohey NBA Draft 2024: Will the Golden State Warriors Take a Chance?

Published on: Jun 27, 2025

Alex Toohey: An NBL Next Star on the NBA Draft Radar

The 2024 NBA Draft is fast approaching, and one name consistently popping up in mock drafts and scouting reports is Alex Toohey. This Australian prospect, who honed his skills in the NBL as part of the Next Stars program, has garnered attention from NBA teams with his versatile skillset and promising potential. But the question remains: Will the Golden State Warriors, known for their developmental prowess and championship aspirations, take a chance on Toohey?

This in-depth analysis delves into Toohey's strengths, weaknesses, potential fit with the Warriors, and overall NBA draft outlook, providing a comprehensive overview for fans and draft enthusiasts alike.

Who is Alex Toohey? A Background and Skillset Overview

Alex Toohey is an 19-year-old forward (born June 30, 2004) standing approximately 6'7" tall with a wingspan reported to be around 6'11". He played for the Sydney Kings in the NBL during the 2023-2024 season. As an NBL Next Star, he had the opportunity to develop his game against professional competition, preparing him for the rigors of the NBA. Toohey previously attended the NBA Global Academy in Canberra before joining the Kings.

Key Strengths:

Versatility: Toohey can play multiple positions, from small forward to power forward. His ability to handle the ball, pass, and shoot makes him a valuable asset in modern NBA offenses.
Shooting Potential: He demonstrates a solid shooting stroke, particularly from beyond the arc. Developing consistency in his long-range shooting will be crucial for his NBA success.
Athleticism: Toohey possesses good athleticism, allowing him to attack the basket, defend multiple positions, and contribute on the boards.
Basketball IQ: Scouts praise his understanding of the game, his decision-making, and his willingness to make the extra pass.
Defense: While not a lockdown defender, Toohey shows the potential to be a solid defender, utilizing his length and athleticism to disrupt opponents.

Areas for Improvement:

Strength: Adding strength and muscle mass is essential for Toohey to compete against stronger NBA players.
Consistency: Improving the consistency of his jump shot and overall performance is crucial for solidifying his role in the NBA.
Ball-Handling Refinement: While capable, refining his ball-handling skills will allow him to create more scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Defensive Aggressiveness: Increasing his defensive aggressiveness and consistency will make him a more impactful defender at the NBA level.

The Golden State Warriors' Draft Needs and Philosophy

The Golden State Warriors are at a pivotal point in their franchise's history. With their established core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green aging, they are looking to infuse young talent into the roster to sustain their championship window. However, they also want players who can contribute sooner rather than later.

Warriors' Draft Needs:

Wing Depth: The Warriors could use more depth on the wing, particularly players who can shoot the ball and defend.
Athleticism: Adding more athleticism to the roster would help them compete with the league's faster and more dynamic teams.
Versatility: Players who can play multiple positions and contribute in various ways are highly valued by the Warriors' coaching staff.

Warriors' Draft Philosophy:

The Warriors have a track record of valuing players with high basketball IQ, strong work ethics, and the ability to fit into their team-oriented system. They are not afraid to take chances on international players with potential, as evidenced by their success with players like Andrew Bogut and Jonathan Kuminga. They tend to draft players who have a high floor, meaning they are relatively safe picks who are unlikely to be complete busts, even if their ceiling might not be as high as some other prospects.

Alex Toohey's Fit with the Golden State Warriors

Alex Toohey's skillset and potential align well with the Warriors' needs and philosophy. His versatility allows him to potentially fill multiple roles on the team, providing valuable depth on the wing and potentially at the power forward position. His shooting potential is also a plus, as the Warriors prioritize players who can space the floor and knock down open shots. Finally, his high basketball IQ and willingness to make the extra pass fit perfectly into the Warriors' team-oriented system.

However, there are also potential drawbacks. Toohey is still relatively raw and needs time to develop his strength and consistency. The Warriors are in win-now mode, and they may prefer to draft a player who is more ready to contribute immediately. Additionally, Toohey's defensive capabilities are still a work in progress, and he will need to improve his defensive aggressiveness and consistency to earn significant playing time.

Potential Roles for Toohey in Golden State:

Bench Scorer: With improved shooting consistency, Toohey could become a valuable bench scorer, providing instant offense off the bench.
Defensive Specialist: With further development on the defensive end, Toohey could become a defensive specialist, guarding multiple positions and disrupting opponents.
Glue Guy: Toohey's high basketball IQ and willingness to make the extra pass could make him a valuable glue guy, contributing in various ways and helping the team win games.

Scouting Reports and Mock Draft Projections for Alex Toohey

Scouting reports on Alex Toohey generally highlight his versatility, shooting potential, and athleticism, while also noting his need to improve his strength and consistency. Mock draft projections vary, with some predicting that he will be selected in the late first round or early second round, while others have him going later in the second round.

Here's a summary of common themes from scouting reports:

ESPN: Praises Toohey's versatility and potential as a two-way player but notes his need to add strength.
The Athletic: Highlights Toohey's shooting potential and basketball IQ but expresses concerns about his consistency.
Bleacher Report: Sees Toohey as a potential role player with upside but emphasizes the importance of his development.

Mock draft projections are inherently uncertain, but a consensus seems to be forming around Toohey being a late first-round or early second-round pick. His draft stock could rise or fall depending on his performance in pre-draft workouts and interviews.

The NBL Next Stars Program: A Proven Pathway to the NBA

The NBL Next Stars program has become a significant pipeline for NBA talent, providing young players from around the world with the opportunity to develop their skills in a professional environment. Players like LaMelo Ball, RJ Hampton, and Josh Giddey have all used the NBL Next Stars program as a springboard to the NBA.

The program offers several benefits for aspiring NBA players:

Professional Competition: Players compete against seasoned professionals, providing them with valuable experience and exposure.
Skill Development: The program provides access to top-notch coaching and training facilities, helping players develop their skills and improve their game.
NBA Exposure: The NBL has gained significant attention from NBA scouts and executives, increasing the visibility of players in the program.

Alex Toohey's participation in the NBL Next Stars program has undoubtedly benefited his development and increased his chances of being drafted into the NBA. The experience he gained playing against professional competition has prepared him for the challenges he will face at the next level.

Potential Alternatives for the Warriors in the Draft

While Alex Toohey could be a valuable addition to the Warriors, there are other players in the draft who could also address their needs. Some potential alternatives include:

Other Wing Players: If the Warriors prioritize immediate impact on the wing, they might consider players like *[Hypothetical Wing Player 1]* or *[Hypothetical Wing Player 2]*, who may be more NBA-ready.
Athletic Guards: If the Warriors want to add more athleticism and scoring punch to their backcourt, they could target players like *[Hypothetical Athletic Guard 1]* or *[Hypothetical Athletic Guard 2]*.
Defensive Specialists: If the Warriors prioritize defense, they might consider players like *[Hypothetical Defensive Specialist 1]* or *[Hypothetical Defensive Specialist 2]*, who are known for their defensive prowess.

Ultimately, the Warriors' decision will depend on their draft position, the availability of players, and their overall strategy for the future.

The Risks and Rewards of Drafting Alex Toohey

Drafting any player involves risks and rewards, and Alex Toohey is no exception. The potential rewards of drafting Toohey include:

Versatile Role Player: Toohey could develop into a valuable role player, contributing in various ways and helping the team win games.
Long-Term Asset: With proper development, Toohey could become a long-term asset for the Warriors, providing value for years to come.
High Upside: Toohey possesses a high upside, with the potential to become a star player in the NBA.

The risks of drafting Toohey include:

Developmental Project: Toohey is still relatively raw and needs time to develop his strength and consistency.
Limited Immediate Impact: Toohey may not be able to contribute significantly in his rookie season, which could be a concern for a team in win-now mode.
Bust Potential: As with any draft pick, there is always the risk that Toohey will not live up to his potential and become a bust.

Conclusion: Will the Warriors Take the Gamble?

Alex Toohey is an intriguing prospect with a versatile skillset and promising potential. His fit with the Golden State Warriors is undeniable, as his versatility, shooting potential, and basketball IQ align well with their needs and philosophy. However, his rawness and need for development may give the Warriors pause, as they are in win-now mode and may prefer a player who is more ready to contribute immediately.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to draft Alex Toohey will depend on the Warriors' overall strategy and their assessment of his potential. If they believe that he can develop into a valuable role player and contribute to their championship aspirations, they may be willing to take the gamble. However, if they prioritize immediate impact, they may opt for a more NBA-ready prospect.

Regardless of where he is drafted, Alex Toohey has a bright future ahead of him. His participation in the NBL Next Stars program has prepared him for the challenges of the NBA, and his hard work and dedication will undoubtedly lead to success. Whether he ends up in Golden State or elsewhere, he is a player to watch in the coming years.

Expert Opinions and Final Thoughts

Many NBA analysts believe that Alex Toohey has the potential to be a valuable role player in the league. His versatility and shooting touch are highly sought after, and his willingness to learn and improve make him a coachable player. However, some analysts also express concerns about his strength and consistency, noting that he will need to address these areas to reach his full potential.

Overall, Alex Toohey is a promising prospect with a bright future. Whether he becomes a star or a solid role player remains to be seen, but his potential is undeniable. The Golden State Warriors, or whichever team drafts him, will be getting a hard-working and dedicated player who is committed to improving his game and helping his team win.

The NBA Draft is always full of surprises, and it will be interesting to see where Alex Toohey ends up. One thing is certain: he is a player to watch in the coming years.