The Golden State Warriors may have struck gold late in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Guard Will Richard, selected 56th overall out of the University of Florida, is making a strong case as Golden State’s biggest Summer League success—and possibly the only player on the roster ready to push for real NBA minutes right away.
Through six games between the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League, Richard leads the team in minutes (23.9), scoring (11.5 points), and steals (1.7) per game. While his three-point shot is still finding consistency (20.7 percent), his inside-the-arc efficiency (63.3 percent) and near-perfect free-throw shooting (92.9 percent) suggest real scoring tools.
His overall field goal percentage has climbed as the weeks have gone on. After a rocky 9-of-26 start in the California Classic, Richard is now shooting 48.5 percent in Vegas—80 percent inside the arc.
“It’s clear he’s starting to look a little more comfortable,” Summer League coach Lainn Wilson said this week in Las Vegas, per NBCS Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole.
What makes Richard especially valuable is his energy and defensive versatility. At 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, he brings length and toughness that the NBA roster lacks—especially with Gary Payton II still unsigned and De’Anthony Melton working back from injury.
Golden State’s limited cap space puts an even brighter spotlight on young players. With Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler III combining for over 80% of the team’s payroll, the Warriors are counting on rookie-scale talent like Richard to provide real impact.
The front office is still exploring options—Al Horford has been mentioned as a potential veteran addition—but it’s clear Richard is already playing himself into the conversation for a roster spot.
His two-way potential, poise, and college experience (105 starts at Florida) make him a strong candidate to earn rotation minutes under Steve Kerr. For a team with minimal flexibility and limited depth at point-of-attack defense, Richard might be more than a feel-good Summer League story—he might be a keeper.
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