Will Richard didn’t need long to make an impact.

In the Warriors’ 114–83 win over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night at Chase Center, the rookie guard impressed once again, finishing with 15 points in 19 minutes, while adding one assist and one steal. He also knocked down 7 of his 8 free-throw attempts, helping Golden State improve to 6–5 on the season while Indiana dropped to 1–9.

Teammates and coaches continue to praise how quickly Richard has carved out a role.

“It’s amazing because he’ll go from not playing or not having any stretch. And then when he comes in, he’s ready,” Al Horford said postgame. “He’s cutting, he’s hitting threes, he’s getting on the break, he’s defending; he does a little bit of everything. I’ve been very impressed with his maturity and how he’s been able to handle all the tasks that we throw at him because it’s very unpredictable.”

Richard has echoed a simple approach: Do whatever is needed.

“Just making an impact, whether that’s on the offensive or defensive end,” Richard explained. “Spreading the floor and doing stuff like that. I grew up watching the Warriors, so for me, Steph [Curry] and [Draymond Green] and all of them, they made my childhood. So I feel like every time I’m on the court, I need to pay that back by going out there and playing as hard as I can.”

The 22-year-old guard began his college career at Belmont before transferring to Florida. He was selected 56th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Golden State later acquired his draft rights in a multi-asset trade, and Richard signed with the Warriors on Sept. 29, 2025. He made his first career start just weeks later on Nov. 5, scoring a career-high 30 points.

Coach Steve Kerr said that polish was evident from the beginning of training camp.

“Early on in camp, you could see he really knew how to play,” Kerr noted. “He’s constantly making the right cut, the right pass, he’s solid. His fundamentals are fantastic; you can see all the experience he’s had in big games. Will, he’s a ball player, and we’re excited to have him. He’s going to contribute quite a bit for us this year.”

Steve Kerr on second round rookie Will Richard climbing the Warriors rotation.

“Early on in camp, you could see he really knew how to play. He’s constantly making the right cut, the right pass, he’s solid… He’s going to contribute quite a bit for us this year.” pic.twitter.com/5uRgrBRigF

— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) November 10, 2025

Teammate Jimmy Butler offered his own endorsement, focusing on Richard’s approach.

“He’s hella smart,” Butler said. “But the thing I love most about Will is his ability to listen. You tell him what to do to the best of his ability, he’s going to do it. Whether it’s on offense or it’s on defense. It’s really hard to try to please everybody … but he’s going to do it. And he just looks incredible.”

For a rookie still finding his place, Richard’s impact already is clear — and the Warriors are taking notice.

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