NBA scouts swarm as Sydney Kings Next Star Alex Toohey weighs up draft future

Sydney Kings’ Alex Toohey wasn’t planning on nominating for the NBA draft in 2024, but with draft experts predicting a weaker class this year he may throw his hat in the ring.

One of the weakest NBA draft classes in recent years could open the door for Sydney Kings Next Star Alex Toohey to seize the opportunity and declare for the draft a year ahead of schedule.

Toohey has the option to wait for the 2025 draft and spend another season with the Kings, but a 24’ draft class described to Code Sports as “not as strong” as previous years may change his plan.

The Canberra-born forward has impressed in his maiden NBL season with the Kings, averaging 9.1 points on 44 per cent shooting from the field and 4.2 rebounds.

Toohey’s standout form has sparked the attention of NBA draft analysts, including ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, who ranked the rising Aussie at 48 in his top 100 mock draft.

Alex Toohey during the round 14 NBL match between Sydney Kings and Melbourne United at Qudos Bank Arena. Photo: Jenny Evans/Getty Images.

NBA scouts are also keeping a close eye on the talented 19-year-old, who recently moved to the bench for the Kings.

Representatives from the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns and the Detroit Pistons attended Thursday’s home game against Melbourne United.

The scouts were in town to watch 2024 draft eligible players, including Toohey and United’s Ariel Hukporti.

Kings forward Jaylin Galloway isn’t draft eligible, but he remains a player of interest for scouts.

Toohey is yet to officially announce his intentions for the 2024 draft – and his father Michael says his son will weigh up interest from NBA clubs before making a decision.

“We thought two years (with the Kings) was going to give Alex a chance to have a crack at it (the draft), but if that comes up earlier it’s really going to come down to what his manager is telling us and not the Mock draft guys,” Michael Toohey told Code Sports.

“They are journos and not to be discounted, but if there is a club that likes what it sees in Alex and they really want him, then that will be done outside of a mock draft.

“He has got a great Kings organisation, his manager Daniel Moldovan and even previously with the Centre of Excellence and a guy like Marty Clarke.

“They’ve all been there and provided advice about the draft. Daniel is his manager and Alex will be influenced by the discussions with NBA clubs.”

Toohey senior couldn’t be happier with his son’s first NBL season.

He didn’t expect him to start, so it was a pleasant surprise to see him in the starting five on multiple occasions this season.

“It’s like life, sometimes opportunities pop up that you weren’t planning on and you make the most of it,” he said.

“We’re super proud of him and when you’ve got an organisation like the Sydney Kings, we look at it and think: they wouldn’t be starting him if they didn’t think he was good enough.

“Now watching him live, he looks like he belongs at that level, and he does a lot of things that often don’t show up on the stats.”

Toohey had five points and four rebounds off the bench in Thursday’s loss to United. He will be keen to produce a stronger display against the Bullets on Sunday to help his side regain momentum.

Jonah Bolden and Jordan Hunter of the Kings look on from the bench during the round 14 NBL match between Sydney Kings and Melbourne United at Qudos Bank Arena. Photo: Jenny Evans/Getty Images.

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NBL SUNDAY:

Sydney Kings vs Brisbane Bullets at Qudos Bank Arena from 4pm (AEDT)