Warriors Start Rookie Will Richard in Preseason, Hinting at Regular Minutes

Warriors Start Rookie Will Richard in Preseason, Hinting at Regular Minutes

In an unexpected move, the Golden State Warriors included rookie Will Richard in their starting lineup during Tuesday night’s preseason game. Alongside stars like Steph Curry and seasoned player Al Horford, Richard stepped in partly due to Jimmy Butler’s absence, who was sidelined with an ankle sprain. This decision by Coach Steve Kerr was also seen as an experiment to evaluate Richard’s potential against established NBA talent.

Richard, selected as the No. 56 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft after an impressive college career at national champions Florida, showcased his skills well during the game. He delivered a commendable performance, scoring 13 points, grabbing six rebounds, and contributing two assists in 30 minutes. The Warriors thrived during his time on the court, showing a plus-10 differential, an indicator of his positive impact on the game.

Kerr expressed his confidence in Richard’s abilities, noting postgame, “I won’t hesitate to put him out there in the regular season. I have that much confidence in him already.” Richard, who is 6-foot-4 and weighs 206 pounds, embodies the kind of sturdy guard that can blend well with the Warriors’ roster.

The Warriors have built their success over the years by discovering and developing talented players in the later stages of the draft. Richard appears to be a promising addition to the team’s skilled lineup, providing them with depth as they look to maintain their competitive edge in the league. If Richard can secure regular rotation minutes this season, the Warriors may benefit significantly from his contributions as they navigate a roster filled with veterans.

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