Australian forward Alex Toohey has been waived by the Golden State Warriors after a knee injury ended his rookie season before it even began.
The 21-year-old entered the year as one of Australia’s most promising NBA newcomers, hoping to carve out a role as a versatile two-way wing. His momentum faded quickly when a preseason knee issue was revealed to be more serious than first expected, leading to season-ending surgery.
The decision forced Golden State to release him to make room for a healthier replacement. For a young player still adjusting to the league, the timing could not have been worse.
Here’s what happened.
Toohey’s path from the NBL to the NBA
Toohey arrived in the NBA with genuine momentum behind him.
After two strong seasons with the Sydney Kings, he had established himself as one of the NBL’s most polished young forwards. His improved scoring, defensive awareness, and maturity on the court fueled interest from NBA scouts throughout the year. By the time the 2025 NBA Draft approached, he was widely viewed as an international sleeper with long-term potential.
Golden State selected him with the 52nd overall pick and immediately offered him a two-way contract. For Toohey, it was a chance to break into a roster known for developing perimeter talent. His size, length, and defensive versatility made him an intriguing fit, and the organization believed he could grow by spending time between Santa Cruz and the main roster.
But the transition from the NBL to the NBA can be demanding. Training camp quickly revealed the level of physicality and speed he would need to adjust to, though the Warriors remained confident he would progress with time. Unfortunately, his on-court work was cut short before he had a real opportunity to showcase himself.
The injury that changed everything
The turning point came early in camp when Toohey suffered a left knee injury.
Initially, the hope was that it might be a short-term setback, but further evaluation showed structural damage that required surgery. The severity meant he would miss the entire season, eliminating the developmental time the Warriors had planned for him.
Before the injury shut him down, Toohey appeared in only two G League games, where he showed glimpses of the defensive instincts and ball movement that made him appealing as a draft prospect. But with such limited footage and no clear timeline for return, Golden State faced a difficult decision.
For a team navigating injuries of its own and trying to maintain roster flexibility, holding a two-way spot for a rookie expected to miss the season wasn’t feasible. The Warriors ultimately chose to waive him, making the move official shortly after confirming he would undergo surgery.
Why the Warriors had to move quickly
Golden State replaced Toohey almost immediately, filling the open two-way slot with forward Malevy Leons.
Leons brought more experience, a healthier body, and the ability to join the rotation right away if needed. For the Warriors, this wasn’t a reflection of Toohey’s potential but rather the reality of needing available players during a demanding season.
Two-way contracts are valuable tools for teams managing injuries and trying to develop multiple young players at once. Losing a spot for an entire season would have limited their flexibility, especially as they look for contributors who can support both the main roster and the G League system.
The organization made its decision based on medical evaluations, schedule needs, and roster functionality. For Toohey, it meant facing the reality that his NBA introduction would not happen this year and that he now had to shift his focus fully to recovery.
What this means for Toohey’s development
The setback is significant, but it doesn’t erase Toohey’s long-term potential.
At 21, he still has years of development ahead of him, and his tools: size, defensive versatility, and feel for the game, remain valuable in today’s NBA. What he loses, however, is timing. Rookie seasons are crucial for young players, especially second-round picks, because they provide the first stretch of real evaluation for coaching staffs across the league.
This injury delays that process. It also places him in a position where he’ll need to prove himself again once he’s fully recovered. Without NBA tape and with limited G League action, teams will want to see him regain athleticism, rhythm, and confidence before considering a future deal.
His rehab timeline will determine his next opportunity. Many players in similar situations begin by returning to the G League, while others reestablish themselves in international leagues before making another NBA push. Toohey has the advantage of having already succeeded in the NBL, and that experience could help him rebuild momentum once he’s back on the court.
Why this setback resonates with international prospects
Toohey’s injury highlights the challenges international players face when making the leap to the NBA.
The shift in physical demands, pace, and conditioning can be intense, particularly for young forwards transitioning from overseas leagues. Even players with strong professional experience can find themselves adjusting to new workloads that increase injury risk.
His situation may prompt teams to be more deliberate when evaluating NBL prospects, not in terms of talent, but durability and physical readiness. The NBL has produced a growing number of NBA-caliber players, yet the jump remains substantial. Organizations might look more closely at how much development time a young international player will need before contributing.
What comes next for Toohey
Recovery is now his full-time focus.
With surgery ahead and months of rehab expected afterward, Toohey will spend the remainder of the season rebuilding strength in his knee and preparing for a return to competitive play. Once cleared, he will likely explore opportunities in the G League or internationally to regain form and generate fresh evaluation tape for NBA teams.
Teams often keep tabs on players they’ve drafted, even after releasing them, and Golden State is no exception. If Toohey returns to full strength, he could earn another chance, whether with the Warriors or another franchise searching for a young, defensive-minded wing with untapped upside.
For now, patience will be crucial. Knee injuries can take time, and Toohey’s next step will depend on how his body responds. He enters recovery with the support of Australian basketball circles and the knowledge that he’s already proven himself capable of competing at a high level when healthy.
TL;DR
- Alex Toohey has been waived by the Golden State Warriors after a left knee injury required season-ending surgery.
- The 21-year-old played only two G League games before the injury shut him down.
- Golden State replaced him by signing forward Malevy Leons to the open two-way spot.
- Toohey now shifts fully to rehab with hopes of returning to the NBA or G League once cleared.
- His setback highlights the challenges international prospects face when transitioning to the NBA.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
