Golden State Warriors ‘won’t hesitate’ to give rookie Will Richard early minutes
By Mark Kern
Published:
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr is gearing up for the start of the regular season, and he is using the preseason to evaluate every player on the roster. One of those guys is Will Richard, who the Warriors took with the 56th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
With Jimmy Butler out with an ankle injury, Kerr gave Richard the starting nod in the Warriors 118-111 preseason win against the Blazers. The rookie from Florida responded in a big way, scoring 13 points to go along with six rebounds and three 3-pointers made.
He played 29 minutes, and the Warriors were a +10 with him on the floor.
Even though it is only the preseason, Kerr would have no issue putting Richard in a regular season game.
“Will’s good,” Kerr told reporters. “Will really knows how to play. He’s in the right spots all the time. He is active defensively and sees the game well. He knocked down his 3-pointers tonight and we are very excited about him. If you’re on the roster, there is always going to be a path. I know I won’t hesitate to put him out there.”
Richard was a key piece on Florida’s national championship team. He averaged 13.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 steals and he started all 40 games.
The Warriors showed early in the preseason they were high on Richard when they signed him to a fully-guaranteed contract. For a guy drafted that late, generally those guys sign a two-way contract.
With guys like Steph Curry and Butler, there are going to be nights when those guys sit a game out. Richard could be someone who benefits from those minutes.
