Will Richard Forces His Way Into Golden State’s Rotation

The Golden State Warriors entered the 2025 season with a familiar dilemma: balancing veteran experience with the development of young talent. Head coach Steve Kerr publicly emphasized leaning on veterans, a philosophy that often left rookies buried on the bench. For first-year guard Will Richard, that meant multiple “DNPs” (Did Not Play) despite showing promise in limited minutes.

But when Kerr finally gave Richard a chance, the rookie seized the moment. In just 19 minutes, Richard scored 20 points on efficient shooting, delivered high-IQ plays, and injected energy into a struggling Warriors squad. His performance not only changed the course of the game but also forced Kerr’s hand. Richard proved he belonged in the rotation, making it nearly impossible to justify keeping him sidelined.

The Context: Warriors’ Struggles

Golden State’s season has been defined by inconsistency. Defensive lapses, poor shooting, and questionable rotations have plagued the team. Against the Phoenix Suns, the Warriors surrendered 44 points in the first quarter, exposing their defensive vulnerabilities.

Buddy Hield, acquired to provide shooting, struggled mightily. Despite playing every game since joining the team, his inefficiency and defensive shortcomings left Golden State searching for answers. Enter Will Richard.

Immediate Impact

Richard checked in late in the first quarter, replacing Hield. His presence was felt instantly. On a Jimmy Butler post-up, Richard positioned himself perfectly for a kick-out three, knocking down a shot that Hield likely would have missed. It was a small moment, but it signaled a shift: Richard was ready to contribute.

High-Effort Plays

Richard’s game is built on effort and fundamentals. He consistently crashes the offensive glass, catching defenders off guard. On one possession, he cut into the paint, followed up a blocked shot, and tipped in a miss. These hustle plays, born of athleticism and motor, gave Golden State second-chance opportunities they desperately needed.

His transition awareness also stood out. Richard sprinted back on defense during a Suns fast break, recognizing tendencies and disrupting what could have been an easy lob. Though the play didn’t show up in the box score, it exemplified his defensive IQ.

Offensive Confidence

Richard’s offensive confidence was striking. In transition, he caught a full-court pass from Stephen Curry, sidestepped Devin Booker, and drained a three with 19 seconds left on the shot clock. The audacity of the rookie to take such a shot—and make it—energized the team.

Later, he attacked off the catch, used a baseline cut to draw a foul, and converted free throws. His ability to read defenses, move into open space, and execute made him a reliable scoring option.

Defensive IQ

Richard’s defensive awareness is advanced for a rookie. He anticipates rotations, boxes out instinctively, and contests shots without fouling. Against Dillon Brooks, he disrupted a fast break by recognizing Brooks’ preference for his own shot, closing out, and forcing a contested three.

These plays don’t always show up in traditional stats, but they change momentum. Richard’s defensive imprint was undeniable.

Playing Within the Flow

Unlike some rookies who force shots, Richard plays within the offense. He spots up for threes, cuts to the rim, and positions himself for kick-outs. He doesn’t need plays run for him; he creates opportunities by moving intelligently.

On one possession, he recognized Ryan Dunn cheating to help on Butler, slid into open space, and knocked down a three. These subtle adjustments reflect his basketball IQ.

Kerr’s Dilemma

Steve Kerr initially justified Richard’s absence by claiming he hadn’t “earned his stripes.” But after three straight losses and mounting pressure, Kerr inserted Richard. The rookie responded with energy, defense, and timely shot-making.

Richard’s performance highlighted the flaws in Kerr’s veteran-heavy approach. While experience matters, Golden State’s rotation cannot ignore young talent capable of impacting games.

Statistical Snapshot

In his breakout game:

Minutes: 19
Points: 20
Shooting: Efficient from three and mid-range
Defensive plays: Multiple stops, hustle rebounds, and forced turnovers

Beyond the numbers, Richard’s presence shifted momentum. The Warriors looked sharper, more energetic, and more connected with him on the floor.

Comparison to Veterans

Buddy Hield’s struggles have been glaring. His shooting inconsistency and defensive liabilities contrast sharply with Richard’s effort and adaptability. While Hield offers experience, Richard provides versatility and energy.

The question for Kerr is simple: can he justify playing Hield over Richard? The rookie’s performance suggests not.

The Rookie Mentality

Richard embodies the mentality of a young player eager to prove himself. He doesn’t demand touches or force plays. Instead, he capitalizes on opportunities, crashes the boards, and defends relentlessly. His patience during DNPs paid off; when given a chance, he was ready.

The Road Ahead

Golden State faces a critical stretch of home games. With playoff positioning at stake, Kerr must decide whether to trust Richard consistently. If the rookie continues to impact games, he could secure a permanent rotation spot.

Replacing Hield with Richard may be the adjustment Golden State needs. The Warriors’ margin for error is slim, and Richard’s contributions could be the difference between contention and disappointment.

Conclusion

Will Richard’s breakout performance was more than a statistical anomaly. It was a statement. His high-IQ plays, defensive awareness, offensive confidence, and relentless effort forced Steve Kerr to reconsider his rotation.

For a team struggling with inconsistency, Richard offers energy, adaptability, and winning plays. If Kerr embraces the rookie’s role, the Warriors may find the spark they’ve been missing.

Richard’s journey reflects the essence of the NBA: patience, preparation, and seizing the moment. He waited for his chance, delivered when it came, and now demands a permanent place in Golden State’s rotation.