The Golden State Warriors are coming off a tough November 5th loss to the Sacramento Kings. The Warriors have very real title aspirations, but as their core ages, role players need to step up in the event of injury.
Against the Kings, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler all sat, so a loss was to be expected. In his first career start, second-round pick Will Richard offered an efficient 30 points to go with seven rebounds and five assists.
Richard had previously played in mostly garbage time minutes, and his ability to do the most with his first real chance stood out to Steve Kerr.
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 11: Will Richard #3 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the net against the Portland Trail Blazers in the second half of a 2025 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 11, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Trail Blazers defeated the Warriors 106-73. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
Rookie Compared to Golden State Warriors’ Champions
Curry and Green are the engine that has run the Warriors for their entire run. However, they have long been insulated by one of the best supporting casts in the NBA.
Richard was picked 56th overall out of the University of Florida. He knows how to slot into his role to find team success. He played a big role in the Gators winning the 2025 National Championship.
Kerr sees how that talent carries over into the NBA.
“Who are those stabilizers in our run over the last decade?” asked Kerr on a Thursday radio appearance with 95.7. “It’s Andre Iguodala, it’s Shaun Livingston, it’s David West. You need them at different positions because Steph and Dray need stability around them to get them organized and to help them navigate the game and to get Steph the ball.”
Of course, Richard didn’t play with Curry in his excellent outing. Kerr knows that his do-all playstyle and efficient scoring bodes well for a partnership between Curry and Richard moving forward, especially if injuries open up more playing time for the rookie.
Golden State Warriors Are ‘On Notice’
If Richard forces his way up the depth chart, someone has to slide down.
Buddy Hield has been disappointing so far this season, and Richard’s rebounding and two-way potential could be enough for the change to be for good. There isn’t much time to waste in Golden State, and the Warriors will turn to whoever they can.
“Will Richard checks all those boxes,” Kerr added. “The whole team, the whole organization, recognizes this, which means everybody’s on notice. Take care of the ball, because we’ve got people who will do that. And they’re ready to step in.”
Between Quinten Post and Brandin Podziemski, the Warriors have found solid talent later in the draft. Richard was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies and traded to the Warriors. That deal has clearly worked out better for Golden State.
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