Golden State Warriors Add Two Players in Second Round, Eyeing Future Rotation Impact
The Golden State Warriors continued their trend of finding value in the draft by selecting Australian forward Alex Toohey with the 52nd pick and Florida guard Will Richard with the 56th. The team traded back from the 41st pick to acquire these selections, showing their confidence in the depth of the draft class. Golden State has consistently turned second-round and undrafted talent into contributors, with recent examples like Gui Santos, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Quinten Post stepping up during the past season. With the team seeking to balance development with competitiveness, these two new additions could play real roles in the near future.
Will Richard: Defensive Spark Plug in the Making
Will Richard enters the league fresh off a national championship run with the Florida Gators, where he played a key role on both ends of the floor. Known for his defensive tenacity and rebounding from the guard position, Richard averaged 13 points and nearly five rebounds per game while guarding some of the toughest perimeter assignments in college basketball. At six-foot-four, he's slightly undersized for a traditional NBA wing but projects as a solid shooting guard due to his strength and energy. Although he lacks high-level playmaking skills, his ability to hit catch-and-shoot threes makes him a viable offensive option in a limited role.
Richard’s pathway to minutes becomes clearer with the expected departure of Gary Payton II, who filled a similar role for the Warriors. Golden State values perimeter defenders who can guard multiple positions, and Richard brings that kind of versatility despite his height. His intensity on defense, ability to rebound above his size, and willingness to do the little things could help him earn minutes off the bench. While he may not crack the rotation consistently in his rookie year, he could be used situationally when the Warriors need energy, defense, or a spark from the second unit.
Alex Toohey: Versatile Wing Facing a Crowded Depth Chart
Alex Toohey brings intriguing size and smarts to the Warriors, standing at six-foot-eight and coming off a productive season in Australia’s NBL. He averaged 10 points in 23 minutes per game, showcasing his ability to play within a team system and contribute in various ways. Perhaps most encouraging was his improvement as a shooter, raising his three-point percentage from 24% to 31% in just one year, a sign that his perimeter game is trending in the right direction. Toohey isn’t an explosive athlete, but he uses his length and IQ to make smart plays on both ends of the floor.
His biggest challenge will be earning minutes in a crowded Warriors frontcourt. With players like Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, if he is retained, Gui Santos, and Kevin Knox ahead of him in the rotation, Toohey may have to bide his time. However, his combination of positional size, versatility, and defensive awareness gives him a foundation to build on. If he can continue improving his shooting and find a niche as a reliable role player, the Warriors could slowly integrate him into their system as a long-term contributor.
Long-Term Value with Short-Term Questions
Both Will Richard and Alex Toohey have traits that could translate well to the NBA level, but their immediate impact will depend heavily on team needs and how quickly they adjust to the Warriors' system. Richard has the clearer path to early minutes thanks to his defensive profile and the potential departure of Gary Payton II, giving him a role to aim for right away. Toohey, while promising, may have to be patient as he develops behind a deep group of forwards. Still, the Warriors have shown the ability to develop talent methodically, and these two picks could prove to be smart investments.
Golden State has been successful in turning late picks into legitimate contributors, and both Richard and Toohey have the tools to follow that path. While they may not become core players immediately, each brings a skill set that fills a specific need on the roster. With the right development, these second-rounders could become valuable rotation pieces in the near future. They could end up being seen as some of the steals of this draft. Time will tell if they’re hidden gems or just depth pieces, but the foundation is certainly in place for either outcome.
