The Golden State Warriors didn’t just add a player—they added momentum. On September 29, 2025, they signed Will Richard, the 56th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, to his first professional contract. The move came after a clever draft-night trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, sending away the rights to Jahmai Mashack (59th pick), Justinian Jessup (2020’s 51st pick), and a protected 2032 second-rounder. At just 22, Richard—born in Fairburn, Georgia—is already proving he belongs. And his early impact? Unexpected. Soaring.
From Bench to Breakout: A Rookie’s Rapid Rise
Richard’s NBA debut on October 22, 2025, wasn’t flashy. He came off the bench against the Los Angeles Lakers, played 14 minutes, and finished with five points, one rebound, and one assist. But here’s what stood out: he hit both of his field goals, and he was tasked with guarding Austin Reaves—the Lakers’ rising star. The Warriors lost the game by 11 points during his shift, but the coaching staff didn’t panic. They watched. They evaluated. And they trusted. Then came November 5, 2025. A start. A statement. Richard dropped 30 points on the court, a career-high that sent shockwaves through the locker room. No one expected it. Not even him, reportedly. "I just tried to stay ready," he told reporters afterward. "Coach Kerr says if you’re prepared, you play. So I was."Why the Warriors Keep Betting on Late Picks
This isn’t luck. It’s strategy. Since Mike Dunleavy Jr. took over as GM, the Warriors have quietly built a reputation for finding diamonds in the rough. In 2023, they took Brandin Podziemski at No. 19 and Trayce Jackson-Davis at No. 57. Last year? Quinten Post at No. 52. Now, Richard at No. 56. Each player was a second-round gamble. Each has either contributed immediately or developed into a rotation staple. The reason? The Warriors haven’t had a top-10 pick since 2013. So they adapted. They stopped waiting for the lottery. They started scouting the late second round like a chess master—looking for high-IQ players, winners, guys who’ve already played under pressure. Richard, a national champion with Belmont Bruins in 2024, fits that mold perfectly.Steve Kerr’s Trust and the G League Detour
Head coach Steve Kerr doesn’t treat rookies like they’re fragile. He treats them like they’re ready. "Steve lets ‘em play," said veteran Buddy Hield. "And Will’s a national champion. He understands how to win." That trust explains why Richard got minutes over more experienced guards early in the season. But here’s the twist: just weeks after his 30-point game, the Warriors assigned him to the Santa Cruz Warriors, their G League affiliate. Why? Not because he’s struggling. Because he’s thriving—and needs more reps. It’s a classic development move. The Warriors aren’t afraid to send a hot rookie down for 20-minute games, back-to-backs, and physical defenses. It’s how Jordan Poole became a star. How Jonathan Kuminga found his rhythm. Richard’s assignment isn’t a demotion. It’s a promotion in disguise.A Quiet Legacy in the Making
Richard’s story is more than stats. He’s the son of Al and Helen Richard, a Christian who credits his faith for his calm under pressure. He transferred from Florida Gators to Belmont for a bigger role—and took it. He didn’t chase headlines. He chased growth. The Warriors, meanwhile, are building something quietly revolutionary: a pipeline for late-round talent that rivals the best in the league. While other teams chase one-and-dones and lottery busts, Golden State is finding guys who’ve already won at the highest level of college basketball. Guys who know how to move without the ball. Who understand spacing. Who don’t need to be the star to be essential.What’s Next for Will Richard?
He’ll return to the Warriors roster after his G League stint—likely before the All-Star break. His minutes will increase. His role will expand. And if he keeps shooting like he did in that 30-point game? He could be a key piece in Golden State’s push for another title run. The clock’s ticking on Curry, Thompson, and Green. But the future? It’s already here. And his name is Will Richard.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Will Richard end up with the Warriors instead of the Grizzlies?
The Memphis Grizzlies selected Richard with the 56th pick, but immediately traded his rights to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for the draft rights to Jahmai Mashack (59th pick), Justinian Jessup (2020’s 51st pick), and a protected 2032 second-round pick. The Warriors had targeted Richard for weeks and orchestrated the swap to secure him without using a higher pick.
Why did the Warriors assign him to the Santa Cruz Warriors after his 30-point game?
The assignment isn’t a punishment—it’s a development tool. With the Warriors in playoff contention, Richard needed consistent playing time against physical G League defenses to refine his decision-making and defense. The team expects him back in the rotation by January, now better prepared for NBA minutes.
What makes Will Richard different from other late-round picks?
Richard is a proven winner—he led Belmont to the 2024 NCAA Tournament and was named All-OVC First Team. He’s not a raw athlete; he’s a basketball IQ player who thrives in structure. His shooting efficiency (58% FG in college) and defensive awareness stand out, traits the Warriors prioritize over athleticism alone.
How does Richard fit into the Warriors’ long-term plans?
With Curry, Thompson, and Green nearing the end of their careers, the Warriors are accelerating their rebuild through late-round talent. Richard, along with Post and Jackson-Davis, forms the core of the next guard/wing generation. He’s projected to be a reliable 3-and-D rotation player by 2027, potentially replacing Klay’s role as a floor-spacer and lockdown perimeter defender.
Has any other Warriors draft pick had a similar early impact?
Yes. Brandin Podziemski, taken 19th in 2023, recorded 17 points in his NBA debut and became a key rotation player by February. Quinten Post, a 52nd pick in 2024, earned a starting role by January 2025. Richard’s 30-point start matches Podziemski’s breakout pace, suggesting he could be the next in line to become a staple of the Warriors’ bench.
What’s the significance of Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s drafting strategy?
Dunleavy’s approach—focusing on mature, high-IQ players in the second round—has turned the Warriors into one of the NBA’s most efficient draft teams since 2020. With no top-10 picks in five years, he’s maximized value by targeting players with proven college success, strong character, and defensive versatility. His record: 4 of the last 5 second-round picks are now on the active roster, a 80% retention rate unmatched in the league.