In a move that sent ripples through the 2025 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors made a bold play to secure Florida Gators guard Will Richard with the 56th overall pick. Many projected Richard as a late-second-rounder or even an undrafted free agent, but the Warriors saw something special in the 6’4”, 206-pound combo guard from Fairburn, Georgia. To ensure they got their man, Golden State orchestrated a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, sending Justinian Jessup (No. 51 pick in 2020) to Memphis to move up from No. 59 to No. 56. The message was clear: the Warriors believe Richard is a diamond in the rough, and every team that overlooked him may soon eat their words.
Richard’s versatility as a combo guard makes him a perfect fit for the modern NBA. Not strictly a point guard or shooting guard, he seamlessly blends playmaking, scoring, and defensive tenacity. His calling card? Lethal catch-and-shoot proficiency, a skill that helped propel the Florida Gators to the 2025 National Championship. In the title game, a nail-biting 65-63 victory over Houston, Richard delivered 18 points, eight rebounds, and four three-pointers, capping his performance with a game-sealing steal with just 26 seconds left. That clutch moment wasn’t an outlier—it was a glimpse of the nightmare he’s poised to become for NBA opponents.
Over the 2024-25 season, Richard’s stat line painted a picture of a two-way force. He racked up 546 points, connecting on 189 field goals, 82 three-pointers, and 86 free throws. His rebounding prowess—45 offensive and 144 defensive rebounds—showcased his ability to impact both ends of the court. With a 6’10” wingspan, Richard averaged 1.7 steals per game, using his length to disrupt passing lanes and secure boards. This rare combination of offensive firepower and defensive instincts makes him a player who can tilt games in his team’s favor.
Florida head coach Todd Golden didn’t hold back in praising Richard, calling him “an incredible light bulb, an incredible human being.” That glowing endorsement speaks not only to Richard’s on-court talent but also to his character as a teammate and leader. For a Warriors organization known for its tight-knit culture and championship pedigree, Richard’s intangibles are as valuable as his stats.
Golden State’s decision to trade up for Richard signals their belief that he’s more than a role player—he’s a potential game-changer. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, lock down opponents with his defense, and elevate his teammates with his leadership makes him a natural fit alongside the Warriors’ core. As Richard steps onto the NBA stage, the 55 teams that passed on him may soon realize they missed out on a player who could haunt them for years to come. The Warriors didn’t just draft a guard—they unleashed a nightmare.