Introduction
Will Richard is one of the breakout NBA rookies of the Golden State Warriors’ 2025-26 season. Known for his balanced scoring, 3-and-D potential, and steady adaptation to the professional game, Richard has become a player worth tracking for Warriors fans and NBA enthusiasts alike. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore his background, college and NBA journey, physical profile, statistical impact, and much more.
1. Early Life & Background
William Richard was born on December 24, 2002, in Fairburn, Georgia, USA. He grew up playing basketball and honed his early skills at Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia. His journey to professional basketball began there, where he developed the foundation that would carry him into college hoops and eventually the NBA.
2. College Career
Before making the leap to the NBA, Richard had a solid collegiate career:
Belmont Bruins (2021-22)
Richard’s first college season was with Belmont University. As a freshman, he earned recognition on the OVC All-Newcomer team, showing early promise as a versatile guard capable of scoring, defending, and contributing across the stat sheet.
Florida Gators (2022-25)
After one season at Belmont, Richard transferred to the University of Florida, where he spent the majority of his collegiate career. As a Gator:
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He became a consistent double-figure scorer.
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As a senior, he posted averages of around 13.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.7 steals per game with efficient shooting splits.
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Richard played a key role in Florida’s 2025 NCAA championship run, including a standout performance in the title game that solidified his reputation on a big stage.
By the end of his college career, Richard had proven himself as a well-rounded guard with solid defense, shooting ability, and strong basketball IQ — traits that translated to him being drafted into the NBA.
3. NBA Draft 2025 & Selection
In the 2025 NBA Draft, Richard’s name came off the board late in the second round:
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Drafted by: Memphis Grizzlies
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Draft Round: 2
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Draft Pick: 56th overall
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Draft Year: 2025
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NBA Team (via trade): Golden State Warriors
Although selected by Memphis, Richard’s draft rights were traded to the Golden State Warriors, who saw value in his two-way playmaking and defense. Warriors front office moved strategically to add him to their roster, believing he could be a valuable role player for years to come.
4. Physical Profile — Height, Weight & Position
One of the most frequently searched aspects of Richard’s profile is his physical attributes:
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Height: 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m)
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Weight: 206 lbs (93 kg)
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Position: Shooting Guard / Combo Guard
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Wingspan: Noteworthy — around 6-10 wingspan, giving him defensive versatility despite his height.
While not the tallest shooting guard in the NBA, Richard compensates with length, strength, and a high motor that makes him effective on both ends of the floor.
5. Golden State Warriors — NBA Career & Role
Rookie Season (2025-26)
Richard made his NBA debut in the 2025-26 season with the Warriors after signing a four-year contract that includes guaranteed money for the first two seasons — a big vote of confidence from the franchise.
During his rookie year:
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He’s averaged around 8.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game as of late 2025.
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He’s shown efficient shooting, including a 39.7% three-point percentage in limited opportunities.
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Coaches and teammates have praised his defense, basketball IQ, and readiness to contribute.
Richard has experienced rotation fluctuations typical of many rookies — ranging from starter minutes to bench roles — but his attitude and growth mindset have remained strong throughout.
One highlight moment came when Richard scored 30 points in his first career NBA start against Sacramento — a breakout performance that demonstrated his offensive potential when given extended minutes.
6. Playing Style & Strengths
Will Richard’s style blends traditional shooting guard skills with modern “3-and-D” capabilities:
Offense
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Efficient scoring off catch-and-shoot opportunities.
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Strong shooting splits from mid-range and beyond the arc.
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Ability to cut effectively and move without the ball — especially effective in the Warriors’ movement-oriented offense.
Defense
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High basketball IQ and positional awareness.
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Long limbs allow him to contest shots and disrupt passing lanes despite being slightly undersized.
Intangibles
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Leadership and maturity stemming from four years of college experience.
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A strong work ethic and coachable mentality — both vital for young players looking to carve long careers in the NBA.
Some analysts compare his skill set to combo guards who focus on defense, spacing, and smart play rather than pure athleticism, showing the trade-offs that come with being a late second-round pick.
7. Key Career Highlights
While a rookie, Richard has already made notable strides:
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NCAA Champion (2025) with the Florida Gators.
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Impressive NBA start including a 30-point game as a starter.
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Consistent defensive presence and effective spacing in Golden State’s guard-heavy lineup.
These moments signal potential growth into a reliable rotational player — and perhaps a starter — as his NBA career progresses.
FAQs — Will Richard
1. How tall is Will Richard?
Will Richard is listed at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 206 lbs.
2. Which team drafted Will Richard?
He was drafted 56th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies, but his rights were traded to the Golden State Warriors.
3. What position does Will Richard play?
Richard primarily plays as a shooting guard, with the ability to function as a combo guard.
4. Where did Will Richard play college basketball?
He started at Belmont University and later transferred to the University of Florida, where he played most of his collegiate career and won an NCAA championship.
5. Has Will Richard started in the NBA?
Yes — Richard has seen starting minutes during the Warriors’ 2025-26 season and even scored 30 points in his first start.
6. What are his strengths as a player?
Richard’s strengths include shooting efficiency, defensive IQ, and off-ball movement — key assets for a “3-and-D” style guard.
7. Is Will Richard a good NBA prospect?
While not a star by draft stock, Richard’s early NBA performances and college pedigree suggest he’s a high-floor rotational player with long-term value, especially in the Warriors’ system.
Conclusion
Will Richard’s journey from Georgia high school standout, through impactful collegiate seasons at Belmont and Florida, and into the NBA with the Warriors is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and skill development. With a strong start to his professional career, Richard represents the blueprint of modern role players — defensively savvy, offensively efficient, and coachable — making him a compelling name to follow in the years ahead.
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