In a media‑day press conference, rookie forward Will Richard discusses his preparation for the 2025‑26 NBA season with the Golden State Warriors. He describes his post‑Summer League conditioning, excitement for training camp, and the significance of signing his first NBA contract with a team he grew up watching. Reporters ask about his adjustment to life in the Bay Area, where he notes the welcoming community, pleasant weather, and sightseeing at landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge. Richard outlines the skills he believes will translate immediately—defensive intensity and catch‑and‑shoot off‑ball play—and emphasizes his desire to help the team win. He reflects on his experience playing at the Chase Center as a college player with Florida, and shares observations from watching veterans, especially Steph Curry’s legendary workouts, highlighting his intent to learn by asking questions. Overall, the interview blends personal background, professional goals, and early impressions of the Warriors organization.
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Just how ready do you feel for training camp and the season? Oh yeah, I'm excited. I mean, it's been a good summer leading up to this point. So I'm excited to learn as much as possible and go out there and get ready with the team. What have you been up to since Summer League? Since Summer League, it's been nonstop. I mean, I went back home for like 3 weeks, worked out with my guys back home and got my body back feeling right. Cause it's been a long journey since the college season. So just getting back right and getting ready for the season.
What was it like putting pen to paper on your contract? And what was that process like for you, first time in the NBA doing it?
Yeah, it was a blessing. I mean, it's what you dream of as a kid. And especially with an organization like the Warriors, a team that I've been growing up loving and watching, it was a blessing for sure.
Hey, Will. Sam Gordon, San Francisco Chronicle. Good to see you. Just to kind of follow on that, how's it been adjusting to the Bay Area from a, you know, an off-court perspective?
Yeah, it's been really good. I mean, everybody's been very welcoming and helping. So it's been— It's been fun. I mean, I love the area. I love the weather. So it's been cool being able to explore a little bit and get around.
Hey, Will. Colin Ward-Henninger, CBS Sports. I'm sure you have your own goals about what you want to do, you know, throughout your NBA career. But in terms of as a rookie on this team, what skills do you think translate immediately to you kind of carving out a role on this team?
Yeah, for me, I'll probably say just my defense. I feel like that's something I can hone in on early, just coming out and guarding. Hard as I can, just helping other guys on the floor. And I'll say catch and shoot, being able to cut and play off the ball and stuff like that. I feel like those are areas that help right away. But for me, I just want to come in and help the team win any way as possible.
Hi, Will. You're— back here. You're familiar with this court a little bit. You played here with Florida. What was it like just to get the atmosphere of playing at Chase Center and then knowing now this is your home court?
Yeah, it was great. I mean, you know, especially coming here with Florida. I mean, we won both games here, so definitely a good feeling being in Chase and then just being in the locker room. I mean, me and my teammates, we got off track a little bit and toured around, went through the locker room when we were supposed to, just admiring everything. So it's crazy to be here in this position right now. I'm blessed for sure.
Were you in San Diego for Jimmy Butler's get-together?
Mm-hmm, I was.
What was it like getting out on the court with some of the vets?
Yeah, it was great. I mean, just seeing how they play, for me, it was important for me to just watch how they move, watch how intentional everything they do is, and just being able to play with them, see how they compete at a high level. I felt like that was the most important thing about me just being able to learn from them during that time.
A quick follow-up here. You were talking about, you know, the weather and everything, you being originally from Georgia.
Mm-hmm.
What do you like about the Bay and San Francisco? Have you got a chance to look around, sightsee at all, ride the cable car?
I haven't got to ride the cable car, but yeah, the weather's real nice. I went to the Golden Gate Bridge. I like going to the pier, walking around, seeing the seals and stuff. So it's just been nice.
Will, over here. How you doing, man?
Doing good, doing good.
You probably heard about Steph's legendary workout regimen. What of that have you seen? How much of that have you seen and been able to absorb?
Yeah, I got to see it like 2 or 3 times. And the first, I feel like every time I just sat there and watched. I mean, Being able to be around him, I'm going to be able to learn so much. So for me, it's just watching him and asking as many questions as possible. Cause I mean, he's one of the greatest to do it. So, well, that's perfect vet to learn from, in my opinion.
You think it's something you can easily do?
Not easily, but I'll be able to get to that point, hopefully.
