Despite being drafted at No. 52 by the Phoenix Suns and ultimately being traded to the Golden State Warriors, Alex Toohey might find himself playing in the Australian National Basketball League for one more season before making the jump to the NBA.
The forward played for the Sydney Kings last season, the same team Andrew Bogut played for before the Warriors inked him to a contract in 2019. Bogut has spoken up on Toohey's behalf, but his input might not sway Warriors coach Steve Kerr to keep him on the training camp roster.
Toohey was left out of an article by NBA insider Jake Fischer, which detailed the potential players the Warriors could bring to camp and on what type of contract. Fischer mentioned Will Richard, the No. 56 pick for the Warriors, but failed to indicate Toohey would make it to training camp or be on the team thereafter.
The best-case scenario for Toohey would be to sign a two-way contract and hone his skills in Santa Cruz, the G League team for the Warriors. Toohey did not look like much of an NBA player in the NBA Summer League. He could not keep up with the younger players in an exhibition series, which was far from the feel of a real NBA league game.
Toohey was not in the greatest conditioning for the summer league. He admitted same to ESPN as he said that he wants to get in better shape before he arrives. The question is where he is going to go.
"The athleticism is obviously another level, and the pace of the game. Especially the Warriors; we had one of the highest-paced offences. And it felt like that," Toohey said. "We'd be pretty gassed after a few minutes of getting up and down. We felt that wore teams down, and that put us in some games we maybe shouldn't have been in. That's definitely one part of it.
"Then, figuring out that: I got drafted for a reason. They obviously see things in me, and believe in me, so it's just finding that internal confidence and being able to make a play in transition, or make a three when it comes your way."
The Warriors have a pretty good idea of what they are getting in Toohey. As a second-round selection, he was not expected to crack the rotation this season. The Warriors do not need him to contribute right away as they are championship contenders with him or without him.
Whether he goes back to Sydney or gets stashed in the G League, chances are he will not be seen in a Warriors jersey until next year when he has a chance to go back to Las Vegas and play in the summer league.
Toohey has to be happy where he is right now. His rights are owned by a championship-caliber team. He can do nothing but learn more as he is only 21. That might not be young by today's NBA standard, but he has low miles and is capable of developing into an asset for the Warriors.
Where he develops his game this season will be found out relatively soon as the Warriors are preparing for training camp and setting the roster as to who will be invited.
