Warriors Rookie Will Richard Says All the Right Things at Warriors Media Day

With the 56th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors took Will Richard out of Florida. Richard helped Florida pick up a National Championship while breaking school transfer records for total steals and ranking second in points by a transfer player.

Now Richard will try to break into the crowded Warriors rotation as a late second-round pick. Getting real playing time on the Warriors is never guaranteed. Just ask promising rookies like Trayce Jackson-Davis or Jonathan Kuminga. It doesn’t matter where you’re picked; Steve Kerr and the Warriors coaching staff will only play you if they believe you can star in your role. 

This is something that Warriors rookie Will Richard seems to have already grasped. At Warriors media day, he had this to say about what he is hoping to do this season. 

"For me, I would just say my defense. That's something I can hone in on early and guard as hard as I can and help the other guys on the floor. Catch and shoot, being able to cut. But for me, I just want to do as much as possible to help the team win."

Richard is saying all the right things. For the Warriors coaching staff, having a young player who is committed to defense is hugely important. Effort on that end of the floor is something any player can bring on day one. 

Richard’s commitment to being a strong catch-and-shoot player is also important. Think of the difference in playing time that Moses Moody or Brandin Podziemski were given early in their careers versus what Patrick Baldwin or James Wiseman were able to grab. 

For Richard, saying the right thing is just the beginning. If he can prove himself as a serviceable three-and-D wing, he may be able to carve out some playing time in the crowded Warriors’ backcourt.