Will Richard Shines Bright with the Golden State Warriors
Since leaving Florida, Will Richard has found a promising NBA home with the Golden State Warriors. As a second-round pick, he has secured consistent playing time during his rookie season under head coach Steve Kerr. Richard's progression marks him as an early steal from the 2025 NBA Draft and a player to watch closely.
Early Impressions and Nicknames
In a recent interview with 95.7 The Game, Richard shared his experience joining the Warriors. He revealed the playful nicknames his teammates have given him:
“They call Al [Horford] 'Big Gator,' so I'm 'Baby Gator' right now. It's either 'Rook' or 'Baby Gator.'”
This humor reflects the strong camaraderie within the team, especially as Richard plays alongside veteran Al Horford, who boasts a long and impressive NBA career.
A Unique Mentor-Mentee Connection
Richard's relationship with Horford brings a special dynamic to his rookie-year experience. Horford is in his 19th NBA season, while Richard is just beginning his career. When Horford and the Florida Gators won their first national championship in 2006, Richard was only three years old. This connection highlights how the NBA fosters unique mentorship opportunities for young players like Richard.
Author’s Summary: Will Richard’s rookie season with the Warriors shows early promise, highlighted by strong team bonds and a meaningful mentor relationship with veteran Al Horford.