Golden State Warriors rookie Will Richard experienced a memorable moment when he met his longtime idol, Stephen Curry, highlighting the strong influence Curry has on the new generation of players. This encounter came amid Richard’s promising introduction to the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA, where he made an impressive debut in the summer league, signaling his readiness to contribute to the Warriors’ roster.
Will Richard’s Strong Performance in His First Summer League Game
Selected 56th overall in the recent NBA Draft, Will Richard quickly turned heads by scoring 16 points in his summer league debut. His performance revealed a versatile skill set, as he also grabbed four rebounds and recorded two steals. Notably, Richard showcased his composure by going a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line, an encouraging sign of his potential under pressure.
Before joining the current summer league action in Las Vegas, Richard was a standout player at the University of Florida, where he led the Gators in scoring with 18 points in the thrilling national championship victory over Houston. This background has set high expectations for his transition to the professional game with the Warriors.
Integration Into the Warriors and Future Prospects
The Warriors have a strong tradition of incorporating second-round draft picks effectively, as demonstrated by Trayce Jackson-Davis and Quentin Post. Richard’s abilities fit well within Golden State’s system, especially in a 3-and-D role, which he excelled at during his college career. This alignment points to a potentially significant role for him moving forward.
Motivation from Meeting Stephen Curry and What Lies Ahead
Meeting Stephen Curry was more than a brief encounter for Will Richard; it was a defining moment that reinforced his drive and ambition. This connection to a four-time NBA champion serves as a powerful motivator as Richard begins his professional path. His performances in the NBA 2K26 Summer League will be closely followed by fans and analysts, eager to see how he develops within a Warriors squad blending experienced stars and emerging young talent.
“One of the Top 3 moments of my life.”
—Will Richard, Golden State Warriors rookie
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Stephen Curry wear 4?
A. FIBA, the group in charge of Olympic basketball, used to limit player numbers between 4 and 15 to simplify officials’ work during games. Though this rule was dropped in 2014, Team USA continues to follow it in international competitions like the Paris Olympics. This is the reason Curry wore the number.