LAS VEGAS – Will Richard’s goal going into his second NBA Summer League was to build off what he was best at as a rookie for the Warriors: Cutting, hitting open shots and guarding at a high level. Sitting at the Chase Center podium for Warriors Summer League Media Day at the end of June, Richard then listed another area of his game he was focused on.
“I want to improve my communication,” Richard said. “I feel like this is an opportunity to step up and use my voice and be a leader in that area.”
Summer league rosters mostly are filled with rookie draft picks, two-way contracts and those trying to impress ahead of training camp with a G League opportunity. Richard was one of the summer’s rare players who came with experience. Colby Jones technically has one more NBA game to his name than him – 70 to 69 – but all of Richard’s experience comes from the Warriors’ system.
He is who the Warriors leaned on this summer, from their first practice to celebrating a championship in Las Vegas. Richard, 23, is who brought the Warriors together before they broke the huddle every game. He...