{"id":191789,"date":"2025-10-05T15:47:19","date_gmt":"2025-10-05T15:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/191789\/"},"modified":"2025-10-05T15:47:19","modified_gmt":"2025-10-05T15:47:19","slug":"warriors-add-promising-young-forward-just-before-training-camp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/191789\/","title":{"rendered":"Warriors Add Promising Young Forward Just Before Training Camp"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Steve\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhoto by Alika Jenner\/Getty Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors<\/p>\n

The Golden State Warriors<\/a> finally broke their silence on Sunday. After a summer of waiting, stalled negotiations, and veteran commitments, the franchise unveiled a string of roster updates, among them the signing of one of its rookies.<\/p>\n

According to Shams Charania<\/a>, the Warriors<\/a> have signed Alex Toohey<\/a> to a two-way contract. The 21-year-old forward was selected with the No. 52 pick in the 2025 NBA<\/a> Draft and now becomes part of a roster trying to balance experience with youth.<\/p>\n

Another deal done Sunday for Golden State: The Warriors are signing No. 52 pick Alex Toohey to a two-way NBA contract, sources tell ESPN. Both rookies, Toohey and Richard, will sign deals for the active roster, along with Horford, Payton and Melton. https:\/\/t.co\/LeeSteGNmu<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

\u2014 Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 29, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Who is Alex Toohey?<\/p>\n

Toohey arrives from Australia\u2019s Sydney Kings<\/a>, where he carved out a reputation as a smart, slashing forward. At 6-foot-8, he\u2019s got the size to compete right away, but it\u2019s his instincts that jump out.<\/p>\n

In two NBL seasons, he averaged 10.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting over 45% from the floor<\/a>. The three-point stroke is still developing \u2014 30% on modest volume<\/a> \u2014 but the athleticism and feel are there.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s not a finished product. But he doesn\u2019t need to be.<\/p>\n

What This Means for the Warriors<\/p>\n

The Warriors<\/a> have quietly filled out the bottom of the roster. Toohey joins fellow rookie Will Richard<\/a> on a guaranteed deal, alongside veterans Al Horford<\/a>, Gary Payton II<\/a>, and De\u2019Anthony Melton<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Free agents Gary Payton II and De’Anthony Melton have committed to signing deals to return to the Golden State Warriors, sources tell ESPN. Payton, Melton and Al Horford are now locked in for the Warriors’ 2025-26 roster. pic.twitter.com\/h0xtsmstGe<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

\u2014 Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 29, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Horford is expected to anchor the frontcourt with his leadership and championship pedigree. Payton remains a trusted defensive spark. Melton gives the backcourt more bite. Together, they bring stability. Toohey and Richard bring possibility.<\/p>\n

The bigger story remains Jonathan Kuminga<\/a>. He has yet to sign, won\u2019t be at media day, and continues to push for contract terms that reflect his future role. Until that\u2019s solved, every Warriors<\/a> move comes with a \u201cwhat\u2019s next?\u201d attached.<\/p>\n

Can Kerr Trust the Rookies?\"Steve<\/p>\n

Photo by Christian Petersen\/Getty ImagesSteve Kerr, Golden State Warriors<\/a><\/p>\n

That\u2019s the question. Head coach Steve Kerr<\/a> has always leaned on veterans during championship runs, but he\u2019s shown more willingness to trust youth. Two seasons ago, rookie Brandin Podziemski<\/a> earned real minutes. Last year, it was Quinten Post<\/a> who carved out a role.<\/p>\n

Alex Toohey<\/a> could be next. As a second-unit energy piece, he has the tools to thrive next to Stephen Curry<\/a>. Curry\u2019s gravity creates spacing, and Toohey\u2019s cutting and slashing give him easy lanes to the rim \u2014 where his strength and touch can finish plays.<\/p>\n

For Toohey, the most realistic starting point is Santa Cruz. Most Warriors<\/a> rookies spend extended time in the G League, and that\u2019s likely where he\u2019ll get his first real minutes as he adjusts to NBA<\/a> speed and physicality. If he holds his own, the hope is he can work his way into spot minutes with the big club, giving Golden State hustle and energy off the bench.<\/p>\n

The ceiling is more intriguing. With his size and instincts, Toohey has the chance to grow into a versatile two-way weapon. He could one day back up Jimmy Butler<\/a> and, depending on how the Kuminga situation plays out, even push for those minutes too. That kind of flexibility is exactly what the Warriors<\/a> need as they balance a veteran core with the next wave of contributors.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Next for the Warriors<\/p>\n

This offseason hasn\u2019t been flashy. But it\u2019s been steady. Veterans in. Rookies secured. The core intact.<\/p>\n

Toohey just needs to prove he belongs. If he can, the Warriors<\/a> may have uncovered another hidden gem \u2014 the kind of depth piece that strengthens their push for another championship in the Curry era.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tKeith Watkins<\/a> Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Warriors\n\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\tLoading more stories\n\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t