Why Will Richard Is Watching from the Sidelines Despite His Promise
Right now, one of the more surprising storylines around the Golden State Warriors isn’t just their up-and-down record, but the absence of rookie guard Will Richard from the rotation. If you’ve been watching closely, you might be wondering how a young player who has shown energy, shooting touch, and maturity could suddenly find himself glued to the bench. Well, Steve Kerr has finally explained what’s really going on, and the answer says a lot about how this team is being managed.
The Warriors’ rotation has already been described as unpredictable this season, and with the team hovering below .500, every lineup decision feels magnified. When Golden State recently lost a close one to Portland, Stephen Curry stole the headlines with a historic scoring night. But quietly, Will Richard didn’t log a single minute, marking his second straight game without seeing the floor. That raised eyebrows, especially considering how solid he’s looked in limited opportunities.
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According to Kerr, this move wasn’t about a lack of trust or talent. It was explained as a matter of timing, hierarchy, and chemistry. Kerr openly admitted that keeping Richard out has been difficult because he genuinely believes in the rookie’s ability. Still, the choice was framed as a commitment to honoring the veterans who have carried this franchise for years. With the team getting healthier, those veteran minutes were prioritized, even if it meant pushing a promising young player out of the loop for now.
Richard, who has averaged around eight points per game when given consistent chances, has been praised for his decision-making, steady play, and reliable shooting. His youthful spark has stood out on a roster built around an aging core. Kerr even went as far as suggesting that Richard has starter-level potential later in the season, reinforcing the idea that this benching isn’t a long-term verdict on his future.
What’s important here is how the situation has reportedly been handled internally. Kerr made it clear that the conversation with Richard was direct and honest. The rookie was told that as the roster got healthier, roles would shift, and veterans would be leaned on more heavily. To Richard’s credit, it was said that he understood the decision and took it the right way, which speaks volumes about his professionalism.
Earlier in the season, when Curry missed time with a quad injury, Richard stepped in and started games, gaining valuable experience. But now, with Curry back and lineup options limited, tough decisions have been made. Only so many players can be on the floor, and right now, Richard is one of several caught on the outside.
As the Warriors prepare for upcoming matchups, the big question remains whether these rotations will continue to change. One thing feels clear, though: Will Richard hasn’t been forgotten. His moment just might be waiting a little further down the road.
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