Unlike the Philadelphia 76ers or the San Antonio Spurs, the Golden State Warriors got their rookies toward the end of the 2025 NBA draft. Regardless, the Warriors received two excellent players in Australian wing Alex Toohey and Florida guard Will Richard. As they finish with the California Classic, both players have questions surrounding them as they head to Las Vegas. Let’s dive into one question for each Warriors rookie as they participate in Summer League.
2025 NBA Summer League: 1 Question For Each Warriors Rookie
Alex Toohey
Question: Can Toohey keep up with the speed and athleticism of NBA-level talent?
For a team that lacks size on the wings, Toohey can unquestionably provide that. The six-foot-eight wing has the potential to be a solid floor-spacer who perfectly fits into Golden State’s system. Toohey possesses a solid shooting form and has improved as a shooter this past season. Additionally, he has the feel and basketball IQ to be a smart defender who knows where he needs to be. His size, shooting potential, and overall feel for the game can be valuable for the Warriors going forward.
Despite the positives he brings to the table, Toohey has a significant question mark in his game. Specifically, the question is whether or not Toohey can keep up with NBA-level speed and athleticism. Even at Summer League, Toohey will typically be at an athletic disadvantage against other players. While he does have high basketball IQ and feel, he will have difficulties defending on the ball. Toohey’s limited speed and athleticism will also translate negatively on offense as it will be harder for him to finish at the rim. Toohey didn’t have the best debut performance during the California Classic, with his lack of athleticism being noticeable. It will be interesting to see how Toohey responds in Las Vegas.
Will Richard
Question: Can Richard handle defending NBA-level players given his shorter height for a 3-and-D guard?
With Richard, Golden State takes another rookie who can play in a 3-and-D role. Despite his size at six-foot-three barefoot, Richard has shown himself to be a solid defender and shooter. Not only that, but Richard has the off-ball and connective instincts to be an instant fit into Golden State’s playstyle. Those qualities have already been made apparent in Richard’s first two games in the California Classic. In those two games, Richard played engaged defense and showed his off-ball movement on offense. Furthermore, Richard demonstrated excellent energy and motor on both ends of the floor. Like Toohey, Richard has the capability of being a rotational player for the Warriors.
However, the major question for Richard is whether or not he can handle defending taller NBA players at his size. While he does play smart and energized defense, Richard is simply undersized for the role he plays. In particular, Richard will have issues guarding taller and stronger players due to his lack of height and strength. Due to those issues, Richard could have difficulties defending even some shooting guards and taller wings in the NBA. His positives on defense have flashed in the two California Classic games. Hopefully, they continue to pop in Las Vegas and his height deficiency isn’t as prevalent.
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