Will Richard was a name that was overlooked by almost every NBA team in the 2025 NBA draft.
Fifty-five other players were picked before Richard, until the Memphis Grizzlies finally picked the former Florida Gator with the 56th overall pick.
The Grizzlies would then trade the draft rights of Richard to the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors saw something in Richard that no other team did: his winning ability and his high basketball IQ. These traits are what have made the Warriors a dynasty in recent years.
Richard has put these traits and many more on display throughout his first few games in the NBA, proving to be possibly the biggest steal in this year’s draft.
Early Praise for Richard
Richard had an exceptional NBA preseason, showcasing his shooting ability and explosiveness off the bench for the Warriors.
Head Coach Steve Kerr is intrigued by Richard for more than just his offensive capabilities, though. In a pregame interview before a matchup with the Sacramento Kings, Kerr had high praise for Richard.
“[He’s] a really good versatile player; he can shoot and guard the ball, but he also understands the game off-ball at both ends. He’s in the gaps defensively…helping and rotating. [He] brings a ton of energy out there; you feel his energy when he is out on the floor.”
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This is extremely high praise from Kerr, who has seen all types of players in his career as both a player and coach.
The praise for Richard has also extended to his teammates, where Stephen Curry praised his competitive drive and ability to make winning plays.
“You find a guy like that who just understands basketball, sees the game really well, he’s fearless… all that stuff matters because it lifts the whole mood [of the team].”
Just Getting Started
While Richard has seen inconsistent minutes so far this season, due to his “stay ready” mentality, he has been very productive in the minutes he has played.
There have been multiple times this season where Richard has been in the game for only a few minutes, but he makes such an impact, whether it is on the offensive or defensive end.
However, in the Warriors’ match-up against the Kings on Nov. 5, Richard was entered into the starting five due to the significant injuries to the Warriors’ roster.
Richard absolutely shone in his first career start, dropping 30 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal. He scored on great efficiency, shooting well over 50% from three and burying five triples.
Despite the Warriors going on to lose the game, the performance of Richard was a bright spot for the team. This strong showing from Richard is just a preview of what he could potentially do for the Warriors if given an increase in minutes.
Sky Is The Limit for Will Richard
Richard has unlimited potential and is in a perfect situation in the Bay to maximize it.
He has a great core of veterans, who are menaces on the defensive end, in Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, Al Horford, and Gary Payton II. These are players who can help increase Richard’s tenacity on defense.
He is also teammates with the greatest shooter of all time, Stephen Curry, who can help Richard develop that aspect of his game
The Warriors’ development is second to none, as they have picked many of their other contributors in the second round, and Richard seems to be their newest hit. In recent years, these picks include Quinten Post, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and most notably Draymond Green.
As the Warriors’ hall of famers continue to increase in age, the team is more often looking towards their young core for help, and Will Richard will continue to be the perfect addition to this young core.
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