In what some are calling one of the more intriguing late-round picks in recent memory, the Golden State Warriors have selected Will Richard from the University of Florida with the 56th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. It’s a pick that may not make front-page headlines across the league, but within the Warriors organization, this move reflects a broader strategy that leans heavily on development, smart scouting, and an eye toward future versatility. Will Richard, a 6-foot-5 wing who has been steadily rising through draft boards, now joins one of the NBA’s most storied franchises with a real opportunity to prove that he can contribute to a championship culture.
The 56th pick in the NBA Draft doesn’t often command national attention. Most teams at that point are drafting players who are projected to be two-way contract candidates or G-League regulars with the hope that, with the right development, they can eventually crack a rotation spot. But Will Richard presents something slightly different. He’s not just a filler name late in the draft; he’s a three-year college player with a developed frame, a clear role, and proven consistency against high-level competition in the SEC. What the Warriors see in Richard is more than just numbers—they see a cultural fit, a moldable basketball mind, and a player with the kind of motor and defensive instincts that can carve out minutes even on a roster with All-Star talent.
Coming out of Oak Hill Academy in high school and then taking his talents to Florida by way of Belmont, Richard showed clear signs of growth in every season he played. He isn’t your traditional freshman lottery pick who dazzles scouts with sheer athleticism or out-of-this-world potential. Instead, he’s methodical, disciplined, and smart. Those traits go a long way in Golden State, a team that values basketball IQ and effort just as much as vertical leap or scoring highlight reels. The Warriors have always had a knack for finding undervalued players late in drafts and turning them into valuable contributors—Draymond Green being the ultimate example, selected 35th overall in 2012. While no one is suggesting that Richard is the next Green, the Warriors have long believed in system-based player development, and Richard may just be their next success story.
Statistically, Will Richard doesn’t leap off the page, but what he does offer is a strong combination of defense, perimeter shooting, and positional versatility. In his final season at Florida, Richard averaged just under 10 points per game while shooting around 36% from three-point range. That figure is not elite, but it is promising, especially when you factor in the types of shots he was taking—mostly catch-and-shoot attempts, often against tight SEC defenses. He was also often tasked with defending the opponent’s best perimeter player, showing quick feet, physical strength, and a relentless motor. In today’s NBA, where 3-and-D wings are considered premium assets, the value of a player like Richard is more than just about stats—it’s about what he can bring in 10-15 minutes per game that doesn’t necessarily show up in the box score.
Golden State’s roster is currently in a transitional phase. With the departure of Jordan Poole last offseason and an aging core in Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, the Warriors are balancing the final prime years of their championship trio with a forward-thinking approach. Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody have shown flashes of brilliance, but the organization knows that building depth through late draft picks and undrafted players is going to be crucial. With the salary cap and luxury tax always looming, finding cheap, effective role players is not just a preference—it’s a necessity. That’s where Will Richard’s potential value shines brightest. He’s not going to demand touches, and he doesn’t need plays run for him to be effective. He fits into the kind of player ecosystem Golden State thrives with—high IQ, team-first, and coachable.
For Richard, landing in Golden State could not be a better scenario. He enters a team that has an established system and clear expectations. Head coach Steve Kerr has always valued players who play hard, know their roles, and are ready when their number is called. If Richard can impress in Summer League and training camp, there’s a real possibility he earns a two-way contract or even grabs a full-time roster spot depending on how the Warriors navigate their off-season. Golden State’s player development staff, led by Kenny Atkinson and others, has a strong track record of improving player shooting, defensive awareness, and understanding of spacing—areas where Richard is already solid but could become elite with the right tutelage.
Beyond the on-court fit, there’s also a narrative arc here that fans love. Richard is a classic underdog story. Not highly touted coming out of high school, choosing to start his college career at Belmont, transferring to Florida, and now being selected near the end of the NBA Draft, only to potentially land in one of the league’s most competitive and scrutinized environments. That kind of path builds resilience. It shows a willingness to work, to stay patient, and to improve year after year. The Warriors value that kind of background. They’ve shown time and again that they respect the journey and reward those who respect the game.
One of the reasons Golden State likely zeroed in on Richard is his multi-positional defensive ability. At 6’5” with a sturdy frame and long arms, he can realistically guard 1-through-3 positions and even some small-ball fours. His defensive awareness is high-level for a player his age, and he rotates well on help defense. He communicates, takes pride in getting stops, and doesn’t shy away from contact. That alone could get him spot minutes in the Warriors’ defensive schemes, especially if they continue to double down on their switch-heavy defensive style. Add in his rebounding ability—he pulled down about 4-5 boards per game in college—and you have the makings of a rotation player who can keep possessions alive and contribute on both ends.
Offensively, Richard’s game is still evolving. He’s primarily an off-ball threat, though he has shown the ability to attack closeouts and finish through contact. His ball-handling isn’t advanced, but it’s competent enough for straight-line drives and transition opportunities. What Golden State will likely work on is his ability to relocate after passes, find open pockets in the defense, and hit open corner threes—a shot that’s often the bread-and-butter for wings in their offense. With Curry and Thompson drawing attention on the perimeter, role players like Richard can feast on open looks if they’re ready to shoot and shoot with confidence.
It will be interesting to monitor how the Warriors integrate Richard into their system. He may spend some time with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G-League, getting valuable minutes and working on skill refinement. But that doesn’t diminish his value. Golden State has used their G-League affiliate not just as a developmental hub, but as a true extension of their basketball identity. Players like Gary Payton II and Juan Toscano-Anderson were able to use that platform to leap into NBA rotations. Richard could be next.
The pick also sends a broader message about the Warriors’ draft philosophy. They didn’t swing for a high-upside international prospect or take a flyer on a flashy scorer. They chose a worker. Someone who fits. Someone who understands team basketball. In a draft where so much attention is focused on potential, the Warriors doubled down on practicality—and that may prove wise in a league that often overlooks the fundamentals.
For fans, Will Richard may not be the name they hoped to hear on draft night. But for the coaching staff and front office in Golden State, he represents a piece of a bigger puzzle. A player who knows his role, does his job, and makes others around him better. Those are the types of players who stick in the NBA. Maybe not as stars, maybe not as All-Stars, but as the kind of gritty, selfless competitors that championship teams are built upon.
As the NBA Summer League begins, all eyes will be on the rookies and high picks trying to make their mark. But keep an eye on Will Richard. Quietly, efficiently, and with a chip on his shoulder, he might just make a few believers in Golden State—and beyond.
