Former Florida great Will Richard had seemingly found himself a decent spot in the rotation for the Golden State Warriors. Richard was getting 15+ minutes a night and had drawn praise from Warriors fans and media.
But then, earlier this week, he was sent to the G-League. That didn't last long, and on Wednesday night, Richard had a performance that has everyone in the NBA buzzing.
Will Richard scores 30 points for Golden State
Golden State lost to Sacramento 121-116 on Wednesday, but the only reason it was even that close was because of Richard. After getting called back up, Richard was inserted into the starting lineup and responded with 30 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and just one turnover.
He joins V. J. Edgecombe as the only rookies in the NBA to score at least 30 points in a single game this season. But considering Edgecombe was drafted 3rd overall, Richard's performance may be one of the true early surprises of the NBA season.
First career 30-point game in Will Richard's first career start! 📽️ pic.twitter.com/bNilikHGZK
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) November 6, 2025
As SB Nation put it, you're telling me there were 55 players in the draft better than Richard?
Richard's 30 points are also the 2nd most ever by a Golden State player making their first career start.
Richard got the opportunity after he didn't play in the previous two games, prompting the temporary move to the G-League. But Golden State is dealing with early injuries and was without three players on Wednesday, including Steph Curry.
The grand debate now within Golden State circles is going to be what to do with Richard once their lineup is healthy. The knock on Steve Kerr is that he has a tendency to rotate guys like Richard out even if they are performing well.
But one would have to imagine after this performance that even Kerr has to find a way to keep Richard in the lineup, even if he is just a rookie.