The 2025 NBA Draft class is already making waves, but one second-round pick just dropped a bombshell performance that no one saw coming. Will Richard, the 56th overall selection, erupted for 30 points against the Sacramento Kings, proving that late-round picks can be game-changers. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a player drafted so low truly become a cornerstone for a playoff-aspiring team like the Golden State Warriors? Let’s dive in.
The 2025-26 NBA season has been a showcase of young talent, with rookies like VJ Edgecombe, Kon Knueppel, and Jeremiah Fears stealing the spotlight early on. Yet, Richard’s recent outburst has shifted the narrative. In just his eighth NBA game, the 6-foot-5 wing dropped 30 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and dished out 3 assists while shooting an impressive 10-of-15 from the field and 5-of-8 from three-point range. And this is the part most people miss: he did all this in just 35 minutes, stepping up as the Warriors’ leading scorer in the absence of stars like Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.
Despite Richard’s heroics, the Warriors fell short, losing 121-116 to a Kings team led by Russell Westbrook’s triple-double (23 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists). But Richard’s performance wasn’t just a fluke. Through his first seven games, he’s averaging 9.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting a scorching 64.7% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. Is this sustainable? Likely not, but his early success paired with his defensive prowess makes him a valuable asset for Steve Kerr’s rotation.
Richard’s journey to the NBA is just as intriguing. A second-round pick out of Florida, he averaged 13.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.7 steals per game as a senior, shooting 48.7% from the field and 35.9% from three. As a former Belmont transfer, he played a key role in leading the Gators to a national title alongside fellow 2025 draftees Walter Clayton Jr. and Alijah Martin, as well as 2026 prospects Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh. Did the NBA scouts underestimate his potential? It’s a question worth debating.
Richard’s versatility—especially his ability to knock down shots when the team’s primary scorers are sidelined—positions him for a growing role as the season progresses. His development not only bolsters the Warriors’ depth but also adds an intriguing layer to their playoff aspirations. The rookie’s next test comes Friday night against the Denver Nuggets, his first game since his breakout performance. Will he keep the momentum going, or was this a one-time flash? Only time will tell.
What do you think? Can Will Richard become a long-term impact player for the Warriors, or is his early success just a rookie hot streak? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to like Draft Digest on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DraftDigest) and follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/DraftDigest) to stay updated on all the latest NBA Draft news. You can also meet the team (https://www.si.com/nba/draft/newsfeed/draft-digest-meet-the-team) behind the coverage.
