Florida Gators Guard Will Richard Selected 56th Overall by Golden State Warriors as Golden State Adds Versatile Shooter to Roster

Florida Gators Guard Will Richard Selected 56th Overall by Golden State Warriors as Golden State Adds Versatile Shooter to Roster

The 2025 NBA Draft was filled with surprises, emotional moments, and franchise-shaping decisions. One of those decisions came late in the second round when the Golden State Warriors used their 56th overall pick to select Florida Gators guard Will Richard—a move that may not have dominated headlines initially but has basketball analysts quietly applauding Golden State’s continued knack for unearthing hidden gems.

For Richard, the moment represented the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and steady development, much of which unfolded under the bright lights of SEC basketball. Though his draft position may suggest he flew under the radar compared to some of the lottery selections, those familiar with Richard’s game know exactly why the Warriors’ front office was eager to take a chance on the versatile guard.

A Quiet but Impactful Collegiate Journey
Will Richard’s road to the NBA was far from conventional. Coming out of high school, Richard was viewed as a solid but unspectacular recruit, known for his polished fundamentals, shooting touch, and two-way mentality. It wasn’t until his time with the Florida Gators that he truly began turning heads at the national level.

Over the course of his collegiate career, Richard developed into one of the SEC’s most consistent perimeter threats. Standing at 6-foot-5 with a sturdy frame, he offered the Gators a reliable scoring option while also serving as one of their better perimeter defenders. Though never the flashiest player on the court, Richard’s high basketball IQ, efficient shooting, and positional versatility made him invaluable to Florida’s success.

During his final season with the Gators, Richard averaged 12.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting over 38 percent from three-point range. His ability to space the floor, make the right reads, and defend multiple positions didn’t go unnoticed by scouts—even if his name wasn’t circulating among the projected first-round picks.

Golden State’s Eye for Fit Over Flash
For the Warriors, this pick follows a familiar organizational philosophy: finding players who may be overlooked but possess traits that complement the team’s established system. Golden State’s recent draft history has shown an emphasis on high-IQ players, shooters, and those capable of contributing in the Warriors’ motion-heavy offense and switchable defense.

In Richard, the Warriors get precisely that.

Golden State’s President of Basketball Operations, Mike Dunleavy Jr., spoke to the media shortly after the selection, emphasizing why the front office felt Richard was worth the investment. “We’ve had our eye on Will for some time. His ability to shoot the ball, defend multiple positions, and play within a system fits our culture perfectly. He’s a competitor, and we love competitors.”

Given Golden State’s current roster construction—with veterans like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green still anchoring the team—the Warriors continue to prioritize adding young players who can contribute in small, defined roles while learning from one of the league’s most successful cores. Richard’s skill set suggests he could be the latest to thrive under such circumstances.

What Will Richard Brings to the Warriors
Though it’s uncommon for late second-round picks to earn significant minutes immediately, Richard finds himself in a favorable developmental environment. His strengths align well with what Golden State covets:

  • Three-Point Shooting: Richard’s career three-point percentage of 38.2% translates well to the NBA, especially in a Warriors offense that prioritizes floor spacing and ball movement. With defenses often focused on Curry and Thompson, Richard could find himself with quality looks from beyond the arc.

  • Defensive Versatility: At 6-foot-5 with a strong build and disciplined defensive instincts, Richard is capable of guarding both guard positions and some wings. Golden State’s defensive schemes thrive with switchable players, and Richard has proven he can hold his own against a variety of assignments.

  • Basketball IQ: One of the hallmarks of the Warriors dynasty has been intelligent, unselfish play. Richard, known for his understanding of spacing, timing, and off-ball movement, seems well-suited to fit within that framework.

  • Work Ethic and Coachability: Multiple reports from Florida’s staff and player development personnel point to Richard’s professionalism, willingness to be coached, and relentless work ethic. Those traits tend to shine in organizations like Golden State, where preparation and attention to detail are paramount.

Path to Earning a Role
While being drafted is a significant accomplishment, the next phase of Richard’s journey presents a new set of challenges. As a late second-round selection, he is not guaranteed a roster spot, and his immediate future likely involves participating in the NBA Summer League, training camp, and potentially spending time with Golden State’s G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors.

However, the Warriors’ track record with player development should give Richard confidence. The organization has consistently taken late-round picks, undrafted players, or unheralded prospects and molded them into contributors. Names like Kevon Looney, Jordan Poole, and Gary Payton II come to mind—players who, through persistence and alignment with the Warriors’ system, carved out meaningful NBA roles despite modest draft positions.

Richard, aware of the uphill battle ahead, expressed gratitude and determination following his selection. “This is a dream come true. I’ve always admired the way the Warriors play the game—their unselfishness, their toughness, their attention to detail. I know I have to work for everything, but I’m ready to do that. I’m just excited to get started.”

Gators Continue NBA Pipeline Tradition
Though Florida has produced its fair share of NBA talent over the years, including recent draft picks and established pros, Richard’s selection serves as a reminder of the program’s ability to develop players beyond the typical one-and-done mold. His journey from being an under-the-radar recruit to an NBA draftee is a testament to both his personal growth and the Gators’ developmental system.

Florida head coach Todd Golden, speaking after the draft, praised Richard’s character and steady progress. “Will represents everything you want in a player. He worked hard every day, bought into the team concept, and kept getting better. I’m thrilled for him, and I know he’s going to make the most of this opportunity with the Warriors.”

An Opportunity to Learn from the Best
For Richard, landing with the Warriors offers the unique chance to learn from some of the most accomplished players in the modern NBA. Few young players enter the league with the ability to observe and absorb knowledge from the likes of Curry, Thompson, Green, and head coach Steve Kerr—all of whom have extensive championship experience.

In addition to on-court development, the Warriors’ emphasis on culture, accountability, and team-first basketball aligns perfectly with Richard’s own values. His journey may not come with the immediate fanfare that top picks receive, but history has shown that, in Golden State’s system, overlooked prospects can flourish.

The path from the 56th overall pick to meaningful NBA minutes is seldom straightforward. But if Will Richard’s collegiate career and character are any indication, he has both the skills and the mindset to capitalize on this opportunity.

For the Warriors, Richard represents another calculated investment in a player who fits their style and culture. Time will tell whether he becomes the latest late-round gem to emerge from Golden State’s talent pipeline, but one thing is certain—the Warriors value players like Will Richard, and Richard is ready to prove they made the right call.

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