Since departing Florida, Will Richard has established himself with the Golden State Warriors. Despite being a second-round NBA Draft pick in 2025, he quickly secured steady playing time under coach Steve Kerr and is considered one of the draft's early gems.
As Richard's role grows, fans are learning more about him. In a recent interview with 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, he shared the nickname his new teammates gave him:
"They call Al [Horford] 'Big Gator,' so I'm 'Baby Gator' right now. It's either 'Rook' or 'Baby Gator.'"
Richard shares the court with former Florida star Al Horford, who joined Golden State after playing with Boston. Horford is in his 19th NBA season, while Richard is a rookie. Interestingly, when Horford and the Gators won their first national title in 2006, Richard was just three years old.
Richard also reflected on playing alongside the veteran Warriors lineup featuring Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler:
"I grew up watching these guys. To be able to witness their greatness every game, every practice, it's a blessing to be a part of. I take a step back every day and realize how thankful I am to be in this situation."
Six games into his NBA career, Richard is averaging 5.7 points per game in approximately 13 minutes on the court.
Summary: Will Richard, a promising rookie with the Golden State Warriors, has earned the fitting nickname "Baby Gator" while embracing a valuable role alongside seasoned veterans.