The Golden State Warriors Select Will Richard with the 56TH OVERALL PICK from Florida Gators!🐊 Headed to Warriors to Play with Stephen Curry🔥

In a move that blends promise with opportunity, the Golden State Warriors used their 56th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft to select Will Richard, a versatile guard-forward from the Florida Gators. While late second-round picks are often seen as developmental projects or long shots, this selection carries a subtle weight, not because of the pick’s number—but because of the player’s character, work ethic, and potential fit alongside the NBA’s most transformative shooter: Stephen Curry.

Will Richard: A Hidden Gem from Gainesville

Will Richard’s journey to the NBA wasn’t built on viral highlights or five-star hype, but on consistent growth, toughness, and a commitment to winning basketball. Standing 6-foot-5 with a strong 210-pound frame, Richard carved out a reputation at Florida as a two-way player with solid fundamentals, defensive grit, and an evolving offensive game.

During his time with the Gators, Richard was a glue guy who often did the dirty work—guarding top wings, grabbing tough rebounds, and hitting timely threes. His college stats won’t dazzle casual fans, but for NBA scouts, the value was in his intangibles: effort, coachability, positional versatility, and a high basketball IQ.

His senior year showed off marked improvements in shot mechanics and decision-making. He averaged 11.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and shot a career-best 38% from three-point range. More importantly, he showed he could thrive both as a starter and coming off the bench—exactly the kind of adaptability Golden State values in their motion-heavy system.

Why the Warriors Picked Him

At 56, the Warriors weren’t expecting to land a star. But in Will Richard, they saw a prospect who could contribute without demanding the ball—perfect for a roster centered around spacing, movement, and elite shooting. General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. called Richard “an ideal fit for our culture—a competitor, a learner, and someone who understands the game at a deep level.”

With veterans like Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green still guiding the team, and younger names like Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski rising, Richard won’t be asked to carry a heavy load immediately. However, his ability to knock down open shots, stay in front of wings on defense, and make the extra pass fits seamlessly into Steve Kerr’s system.

In short, Will Richard might not be the flashiest name in this draft—but in the Warriors’ eyes, he’s a player who “does the little things right.”

Learning from the Master: Stephen Curry

For any young guard entering the league, the chance to share the floor—or even the practice gym—with Stephen Curry is an enormous blessing. Known not just for his three-point shooting but for his unselfishness, preparation, and leadership, Curry has helped shape the careers of several young teammates over the years.

For Will Richard, this isn’t just an opportunity to play in the NBA—it’s an opportunity to learn from greatness. His own game—defined by hustle, off-ball movement, and toughness—could thrive in Golden State’s offense. If he can develop consistency on the perimeter and read defenses better under Curry’s mentorship, he could be one of the draft’s late steals.

“I’m just excited to get to work,” Richard said in his post-draft interview. “Playing in Golden State, learning from Steph and that whole group—it’s a dream.”

What Comes Next

The path from second-round pick to NBA rotation player is never easy. But history has shown that the Warriors organization knows how to identify, develop, and integrate young talent when the chemistry is right. From Draymond Green to Jordan Poole, Golden State has turned overlooked picks into crucial contributors.

For Will Richard, Summer League will be his first test. He’ll need to show that he can defend NBA wings, knock down the open three, and keep the ball moving under pressure. If he shines in Las Vegas, a two-way contract or a full roster spot could be on the table.

Regardless of how quickly he cracks the rotation, one thing is clear: the Warriors see something in Will Richard. And that belief—combined with his relentless mindset—might be all he needs to make the leap.

Warriors’ Draft Strategy: Balancing Present and Future

This pick also speaks volumes about where the Warriors are as a franchise. With their core aging and salary cap concerns looming, Golden State is strategically looking to inject youth into their system without breaking their identity. By selecting players like Richard who don’t need the ball in their hands to be effective, they’re building toward a sustainable transition into the post-Curry era—whenever that time may come.

For now, Richard becomes part of a roster with playoff hopes and championship culture. If he soaks in the knowledge, grinds in practice, and brings the same energy he displayed in Gainesville, he could end up being one of the most surprising contributors from this draft class.

Final Thoughts

The Golden State Warriors’ decision to select Will Richard with the 56th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft may not make headlines today—but don’t be surprised if it does a year or two from now. He’s not a star—yet—but he’s the kind of player who thrives in smart systems, who plays for the team, and who turns doubters into believers.

Paired with the leadership of Stephen Curry and the tutelage of a championship staff, Richard’s NBA dream isn’t just alive—it’s poised to flourish.

Golden State didn’t just draft a player—they drafted a worker, a learner, and a fighter. Keep an eye on Will Richard. The Bay might have just found its next cult favorite.