Will Richard, snagged by the Golden State Warriors as the 56th overall pick in last year’s NBA Draft, is quickly proving to be one of the season's standout rookies. His journey is turning heads, but the next step in his evolution is clear: developing a reliable 3-point shot. This improvement could cement his status as a key player in the league for years to come.
Richard's tenacity on defense, combined with his intuitive play within Steve Kerr's system, has allowed him to make a significant impact without yet mastering the art of the long ball. This was evident in the recent matchup against the Atlanta Hawks.
Richard, who started the second half after Quinten Post's injury, logged nine points on 4-of-7 shooting. However, all his misses came from beyond the arc, highlighting an area ripe for growth as the Warriors endured a tough 126-110 defeat, marking their 16th loss in 22 games.
While Richard has shown flashes of being a capable 3-point shooter, consistency remains elusive. Currently shooting below 33% from deep in his rookie campaign, his place in the rotation could be jeopardized if the Warriors weren't battling injuries. Standing at 6'3" and not primarily a ball-handler or playmaker, Richard's path to a long NBA career hinges on boosting his 3-point percentage to at least league average, around 35-37%.
Looking back at his college days offers a glimmer of hope. Richard shot 35.9% from three in his final year at Florida, and an impressive 39.8% the year before.
These numbers suggest that with more experience, he could refine this aspect of his game. Additionally, his stellar 85.2% free-throw shooting in his rookie season ranks him third among Warriors players who've attempted at least 50 free throws, trailing only Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.
With a four-year, $8.7 million contract, Richard has some runway to develop. However, the Warriors are in a win-now mode, and enhancing his 3-point shooting will be key to securing a solid rotation spot in the upcoming season.