The Golden State Warriors may have unearthed another late-round treasure in Will Richard, their No. 56 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. After a delayed debut due to pending trade finalizations, the former Florida Gators star finally hit the floor for the Warriors’ Summer League squad in the California Classic—and he didn’t disappoint. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard with a 6-10 wingspan announced his arrival with a performance that turned heads and sparked excitement about his two-way potential as a 3-and-D wing.
A Defensive Dynamo from the Jump
Richard wasted no time showcasing his defensive prowess. On the very first possession against the San Antonio Spurs, he swiped the ball from David Jones-Garcia and sprinted down the court for an easy layup, securing his first bucket and steal in one seamless play. His defensive instincts were on full display all night, as he leveraged his length and relentless energy to hound ball-handlers and force turnovers.
“I have a lot of length on defense, and I can do a good job of knowing where the ball is going to be,” Richard said post-game. “As soon as I saw him bring it down, I knew I could have a chance to steal the ball.” His anticipation and aggressive mindset made life difficult for the Spurs, who struggled to navigate his active hands and long wingspan.
Will Richard comes up just short on a buzzer-beater game winning attempt.
He finished with 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals on 3/10 FGs and a +13 plus/minus. Not a bad debut for the 2nd round rookie. pic.twitter.com/1INptriEtl
— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) July 7, 2025
Summer League head coach Lainn Wilson was equally impressed with Richard’s defensive acumen. “His activity on the ball was great, and he was doing what we asked off the ball as well,” Wilson noted. “There weren’t many times he was caught out of position. He’s a pretty aggressive player, and we can work with that.” Richard’s ability to stay disciplined while playing with intensity suggests a defensive IQ that could translate to the NBA level sooner rather than later.
Offensive Flashes with Room to Grow
On the offensive end, Richard’s performance was a mixed bag but showed tantalizing potential. He finished with 16 points, four rebounds, two steals, and a +13 plus/minus, nearly capping his debut with a game-winning deep three that rimmed out. While his shooting was inconsistent—going 3-of-10 from the field and struggling from beyond the arc—Richard thrived in other areas. He attacked the paint relentlessly, drawing contact and earning a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. His ability to seek out physicality and convert at the stripe bodes well for a Warriors team that values smart, efficient scoring.
Richard also shone in transition, where his speed and court awareness made him a constant threat. Teammates found him streaking down the lane for easy buckets, including a highlight-reel alley-oop and a smooth transition three. His knack for running the floor could make him a valuable piece in Golden State’s fast-paced system.
The Intangibles: Size, Hustle, and Fit
What makes Richard so intriguing isn’t just his stat line but the intangibles he brings to the table. At 6-foot-4, he plays bigger than his listed height, thanks to his 6-10 wingspan and relentless hustle. His active hands and defensive versatility were evident throughout the game, disrupting passing lanes and challenging shots. For a Warriors team that thrives on defensive flexibility and transition play, Richard’s skill set feels like a natural fit.
However, his offensive game still needs polish, particularly his outside shooting. The Warriors’ system relies heavily on open jumpers created by Stephen Curry’s gravity, and Richard will need to prove he can knock down those shots consistently to earn a spot in Steve Kerr’s rotation. His Summer League showing suggests he’s not quite there yet, but the foundation is promising.
A Second-Round Steal in the Making?
It’s easy to get carried away after one Summer League game, but Richard’s debut offered a glimpse of why the Warriors might have struck gold with their second-round pick. His combination of defensive tenacity, transition scoring, and raw potential has fans and analysts buzzing about his future. While he’s unlikely to be a game-changer for Golden State this season, his IQ, hustle, and length could make him a reliable wing option down the line.
If Richard can refine his outside shot and continue to harness his defensive tools, the Warriors may have found another late-round gem to add to their growing list of draft successes. For now, his explosive debut has given Dub Nation plenty to be excited about. Keep an eye on Will Richard—he just might be the spark the Warriors didn’t see coming.