Warriors May Have Just Found the Draft’s Biggest Surprise!

Warriors May Have Just Found the Draft’s Biggest Surprise!

He was the 56th pick in the draft. Now he might be the next hidden gem in Golden State. Will Richard, fresh off a national championship run with University of Florida, is making a loud case to crack the Warriors roster after a standout summer league performance with poise, energy, and serious two-way potential. The 6’4 guard is already turning heads. And the Warriors may have found the kind of lowcost differencemaker their aging core desperately needs. Through six games, Richard leads Golden State’s summer league squad in minutes 23.9, scoring 11.5 and steals 1.7 per game. While his overall field goal percentage sits at 42.4%, it’s what he’s doing inside the ark, 63.3%. And at the free throw line, 92.9% that has coaches excited. He’s not yet consistent from deep, 20.7% on threes, but his scoring instincts and finishing ability are hard to miss. After a shaky start in the California Classic, where he went 9 of 26 from the field and two of 11 from three, Richard has found his rhythm in Las Vegas. He’s now shooting 48.5% overall, including a scorching 80% from inside the ark in the last few games. It’s clear he’s starting to look a little more comfortable, said summer league head coach Lane Wilson. That comfort has shown in more than just stats. Richard plays with energy, maturity, and a defensive mindset that fits perfectly with what head coach Steve Kerr values. And that matters because the Warriors are operating with tight financial margins. With Stephven Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler III eating up over 80% of the team’s payroll, Golden State needs real value from young, affordable players. That’s what makes Richard’s emergence so important. Veteran center Kievon Looney walked in free agency, signing a 2-year, $16 million deal with the Pelicans. The Warriors are still hoping to bring in Al Horford, but nothing is finalized. Meanwhile, Gary Payton II remains unsigned. While there’s still a path to his return, it would likely be at a much lower salary than last year’s $9.1 million. In the meantime, Golden State has been exploring options. They previously took a swing on Ryan Rollins in 2022 for point of attack defense, but he’s now in Milwaukee. Last season, they added DeAnthony Melton only to lose him early to a torn ACL. He’s expected to return, but the need for perimeter defense remains. Enter Will Richard. With a 6’10 wingspan, defensive instincts, and a scorer’s touch, he offers exactly what the Warriors need. Two-way ability, youth, and affordability. At just 22 years old, he’s showing that he belongs, and he’s doing it with the poise of a veteran. If you’re a true Warriors fan, show some love. Like this video, and subscribe for more real talk and breaking news. Stay locked in with us for more player movement news and Warriors updates. See you next time.

Will Richard is quickly becoming the surprise story of the Warriors’ Summer League. Taken 56th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, the former Florida Gator is already turning heads in Las Vegas with his poise, defense, and scoring touch. With the Warriors dealing with roster changes and salary cap constraints, could Richard be the cheap, high-impact piece they desperately need?
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