May 6, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) prepares to play the Minnesota Timberwolves before game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Warriors Rookie Makes Strong Steph Curry Admission

Originally posted on Golden State Warriors on SI
By Will Despart | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 10:16 PM ET

Stephen Curry is at that point in his career where he's playing with a generation of young talent that grew up idolizing him in their youth. Golden State Warriors rookie second-round draft pick Will Richard was the latest rookie to find himself starstruck after meeting the four-time champion.

After recording a cool 16 points and four rebounds in the Warriors' 90-88 loss to the Spurs at the California Classic summer league on Sunday, Richard got the postgame press conference honors. While his own performance was a topic of conversation, so was his experience meeting Curry for the first time on Saturday, which he called a "top 3 moment" of his life.

Warriors rookie Will Richard says meeting Steph Curry yesterday was a “Top 3 moment” of his life. Richard scored 16 in his summer league debut. pic.twitter.com/Jz9rKZrson
— Joseph Dycus (@joseph_dycus) July 7, 2025

That's certainly a meaningful distinction for Richard to acknowledge, especially considering the fact that he was the Florida Gators' leading scorer with 18 points in their thrilling national championship victory over Houston in April.

Richard was drafted 56th overall by Golden State, where he'll likely develop into a rotational 3&D role like the one he mostly occupied at Florida. The Warriors aren't shy about giving their second rounders some run early on in their career, as evidenced by their handling of Trayce Jackson-Davis and Quentin Post in recent seasons.

Will Richard is his NBA Summer League Debut

25 Minutes
16 Points
4 Rebounds
1 Assist
2 Steals
8/8 FT pic.twitter.com/4WJfeRByCX
— Florida Gators (@gatorsszn) July 7, 2025

In addition to tallying 16 points and four rebounds on Sunday, Richard also had two steals and a perfect 8-of-8 shooting clip from the free throw line. He didn't play in the Warriors' California Classic opener against the Lakers on Saturday, but he is expected to be a significant part of the team's plans at the NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas.

This article first appeared on Golden State Warriors on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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