NBA team chasing Toohey

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

"A much stronger case for first-round consideration than he had coming in."

The Toronto Raptors are looming as a potential suitor for Sydney Kings Next Star Alex Toohey, according to ESPN’s latest Mock Draft.

Toohey is currently projected as the 39th overall pick at June’s NBA Draft, after excelling at the Combine in Chicago.

“A much stronger case for first-round consideration than he had coming in,” Draft expert Jonathan Givony said.

“He measured better than expected, 6-foot-9 in shoes with a near 6-11 wingspan, giving him ample size to slide to the power forward position long-term as his 223-pound frame fills out.

“He hit 61 per cent of his aggregate jumpers in the drills - toward the middle of the pack of all players - and surprised by converting 3-of-5 3-point attempts, stepping into open looks with confidence and solid mechanics that leave plenty of room for optimism.”

Toohey played 30 games across the NBL25 season, averaging 10.5 points and 3.9 rebounds a game.

The 21-year-old won the league’s Next Generation Award as one of the most exciting prospects in the country.

Meanwhile, Rocco Zikarsky’s stocks also continue to rise, predicted to land at the Orlando Magic with the 46th overall pick.

The tallest prospect at the Combine, at 221 centimetres (7’3”), Zikarsky also boasted the highest standing reach at 290 centimetres (9’6”).

Lachlan Olbrich and Ben Henshall also boosted their draft prospects at the Combine, with Olbrich earning praise for his “competitiveness and physicality”, while Henshall had the equal fastest lane agility time during testing.

The pair impressed in scrimmages throughout a big week in Chicago.