Canberra's rising basketball star, Alex Toohey, has faced a significant hurdle in his young NBA career, but those who know him best believe his story is far from over.
A Setback, Not an Ending
The Golden State Warriors waived the 21-year-old forward last week, a move that came after he suffered a left knee injury requiring season-ending surgery. Toohey, who was drafted 52nd overall by the Warriors in the June NBA draft, managed just two games for their G-League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, averaging seven points and three rebounds before the injury curtailed his progress.
However, his former coach at the Sydney Kings, Brian Goorjian, has moved quickly to clarify the situation, telling The Canberra Times that the waiver is a procedural step, not a dismissal of Toohey's talent or future with the franchise.
Coach Goorjian Provides Insight
"The waiving thing isn't how it reads," Goorjian explained. "He's had a knee issue and had surgery, and they had to put him on waivers, but the Warriors are excited about him, and he's in the process of getting healthy."
Goorjian, a respected figure in Australian basketball, has remained in contact with Toohey since the waiver and reports the young Canberran is handling the setback with maturity. "I have been in touch with him. He was in a real good place and he's really focused on recovery," Goorjian said. "The Warriors have been really supportive."
He emphasised that the move was a roster necessity due to the injury, not a loss of faith. "They certainly haven't said, 'You're gone', and waived him. They've got to take him off the roster with the injury, and now the focus is rehab, get him healthy and keep moving him forward."
A Proven Talent with a Clear Path Forward
Toohey's credentials are not in doubt. After two years in the NBL's Next Stars program with the Sydney Kings under Goorjian's guidance, he made immense strides. His development culminated in winning the 2024-25 NBL Next Generation Award as the league's best young player, which provided the momentum for his NBA draft selection.
Goorjian, who witnessed Toohey's growth firsthand, remains a firm believer in his potential at the highest level. "I feel he's got a great future. He's an NBA player, and I certainly see him as a Boomer," Goorjian stated, referencing the Australian national team. "He's a really good person and a really good player."
With his recovery now the sole focus, the narrative around Alex Toohey has shifted from a premature end to a challenging interlude. The view from his inner circle is one of optimism, seeing this not as a full stop, but merely a comma in what they are confident will be a long and successful professional career.
