As the Golden State Warriors gear up for a critical 2025-26 NBA season, their championship aspirations hinge on the veteran prowess of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. With the 37-year-old Curry leading the charge, the Warriors are poised to lean heavily on their battle-tested core in pursuit of an eighth NBA title. However, this strategy comes at a cost: the team’s promising rookies, including NCAA champion Will Richard, may be left on the sidelines, potentially stunting their development.
A recent report from Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz reveals that Golden State’s coaching staff plans to prioritize their veteran lineup, leaving little room for newcomers like Richard and fellow draftee Alex Toohey. “There was a moment this offseason, just two weeks ago, where it seemed Alex Toohey (No. 52 overall pick) and Will Richard (No. 56) might fill rotation spots due to a shortage of players,” Swartz noted. “But with Jonathan Kuminga now signed and veterans like Al Horford, Seth Curry, Gary Payton II, and De’Anthony Melton joining the roster, both rookies will likely have to wait their turn.”
This development raises questions about when Golden State’s next generation will get their chance to shine. While the Warriors’ reliance on their aging stars is understandable given their championship pedigree, sidelining their carefully selected 2025 draft picks could delay the team’s transition to a new era.
Will Richard, the No. 56 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is no ordinary rookie. Standing at 6’5”, the shooting guard brings a polished skill set honed over four years at the University of Florida, culminating in a National Championship victory. In the title game against Houston, Richard led the Gators with 18 points, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His 2024-25 season stats further underline his potential: 13.3 points per game, 1.7 steals, and an impressive 59.2% effective field goal percentage across 40 appearances.
The Warriors signaled their confidence in Richard by signing him to a four-year, $8.6 million contract this summer—a rare commitment for a second-round pick. His combination of size, shooting, and defensive tenacity makes him an ideal fit for Golden State’s fast-paced, perimeter-oriented system. Yet, despite his readiness, Richard’s immediate impact may be limited by the team’s veteran-heavy rotation.
Joining Richard on the bench is Alex Toohey, a 6’8” power forward from Canberra, Australia, selected No. 52 overall. Toohey brings a wealth of professional experience from his time with the Sydney Kings in Australia’s NBL, where he averaged 9.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 0.7 blocks over two seasons (2023-25). At just 21 years old, his versatility and defensive instincts make him a promising long-term asset for the Warriors.
Toohey’s two-way contract ensures he’ll split time between the NBA and G League, offering some developmental opportunities. However, with Golden State’s frontcourt rotation already crowded, his chances of cracking the lineup in 2025-26 appear slim.
The Warriors’ strategy is clear: maximize the championship window of Curry, Butler, and Green while they’re still at the peak of their powers. This approach has merit—Curry remains a transcendent talent, and the addition of veterans like Horford and Melton bolsters the team’s depth and experience. However, the decision to prioritize established stars over rookies risks stunting the growth of Richard and Toohey, both of whom were drafted for their advanced skills and immediate potential.
Swartz notes that Richard, thanks to his championship pedigree, has the best shot at early playing time among the rookies. His ability to contribute as a 3-and-D guard could earn him spot minutes, especially if injuries or fatigue plague the veteran roster. Toohey, meanwhile, may need to bide his time in the G League, refining his game for a future role.
While the Warriors’ focus on their veteran core is a pragmatic choice for the 2025-26 season, it’s worth wondering how long they can delay the integration of their young talent. Richard and Toohey were drafted not just for their potential but for their readiness to contribute. A prolonged freeze-out could hinder their confidence and development, potentially delaying Golden State’s transition to a post-Curry era.
For now, the Warriors are banking on their championship experience to carry them to another title. But as the season unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Richard and Toohey can seize limited opportunities to prove they belong. If they do, the Warriors may find that their rookies are more than just future assets—they could be the spark that pushes this veteran-laden team over the top.