Golden State Warriors guard Will Richard is expected to miss time after suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left thumb, according to the team’s official injury report. The severity of the tear remains undetermined, but Richard was listed as out for Monday’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. This development forces head coach Steve Kerr to reshuffle his wing rotation, removing a player who had recently earned a spot in the starting lineup due to Gui Santos’ ongoing knee tendinitis struggles.
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Richard’s absence comes at a critical juncture for the Warriors, who have relied on his versatility to stabilize the small forward position. Since entering the 2026-27 season, the former Florida Gator has shot 42.9% from three-point range across 10 games, providing a reliable floor-spacing threat that complements the team’s perimeter-heavy offense. His ability to guard multiple positions has made him an indispensable asset in Kerr’s system, offering a blend of defensive intensity and efficient spot-up shooting that the Warriors have lacked in recent rotations.
Kerr praised Richard’s basketball intelligence earlier in the month, noting that he is “really smart and simple” with a game that minimizes mistakes. Drafted by Golden State in 2025 after winning a national championship at Florida, Richard is averaging 5.1 points and 1.8 rebounds while showing signs of two-way growth. With his rookie season already demonstrating flashes of potential, this injury tests the Warriors’ depth as they navigate a demanding schedule without one of their most adaptable young wings.
Source: Yahoo Sports
