WILL RICHARD’S SNUB FROM RISING STARS TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS THE GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS’ LACK OF HIGH-LEVEL TALENT BEYOND STEPHEN CURRY

SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Warriors have faced a challenging reality in recent years as they transition from the Stephen Curry era to an uncertain future. This reality was underscored once again when Will Richard, the Warriors’ promising rookie, was left off the roster for the 2026 Rising Stars Mini Tournament at NBA All-Star Weekend, despite having an impressive start to his professional career.

Richard’s omission from the event is a stark reminder of the team’s struggles to develop high-level talent beyond Curry, especially with the Warriors’ recent history of draft failures. This situation, paired with Quinten Post’s exclusion despite starting 32 games this season, only further emphasizes the looming uncertainty that Golden State faces as they look to build a competitive roster after Curry’s eventual retirement.

Will Richard’s Rising Impact

In his rookie year, Will Richard has shown unexpected promise, averaging 6.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.2 steals in nearly 20 minutes per game across 43 appearances. The 23-year-old has even managed to start 15 games under head coach Steve Kerr. His efficiency has been a bright spot, shooting 47.3% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc, making him a reliable contributor.

While Richard was snubbed for the Rising Stars Mini Tournament, his strong play this season, including a season-high six steals in the recent loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, proves that he has the potential to develop into a key player for the Warriors in the future. He will certainly have the opportunity to make a case for next season’s Rising Stars after a full year of experience and growth under Kerr’s system.

The Warriors’ Struggles with Draft Success Beyond Curry

The issue, however, isn’t just about one player—it’s a larger concern for the Golden State Warriors as they attempt to build for the future. Curry, who has been the face of the franchise for over a decade, is eventually going to retire, and the Warriors will need to find a way to stay competitive once that happens. Unfortunately, their recent draft history has not been kind to them in terms of finding high-impact talent.

In 2020 and 2021, the Warriors had three lottery picks and were expected to use those assets to secure their post-Curry future. However, Golden State’s selections have been criticized for their lack of immediate impact.

• James Wiseman, the second overall pick in 2020, was the most high-profile failure, as the big man struggled with consistency and injuries before being traded to the Detroit Pistons.

• Jonathan Kuminga, the seventh overall pick in 2021, has shown flashes of potential but has failed to develop as hoped, leaving the Warriors uncertain about his long-term fit.

• Moses Moody, another 2021 lottery pick, has started games but remains an underwhelming selection given the talent that was available at the time, including players like Alperun Sengun, Trey Murphy III, and Jalen Johnson, who have since performed at a higher level.

A Glimmer of Hope: The Warriors’ Late Draft Gems

Despite their struggles with top-tier draft picks, the Warriors have found success in the later rounds. Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the Golden State front office have been able to uncover hidden gems like Trayce Jackson-Davis, Quinten Post, and Will Richard, who were all drafted in the 50s.

Richard, in particular, has turned out to be a solid pick, providing immediate value with his versatility on both ends of the floor. These late-round selections give the Warriors hope that they can still build for the future, even if their earlier draft decisions have not paid off as expected.

Brandin Podziemski: A Potential Bright Spot?

Brandin Podziemski, the 19th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, could also provide some hope for the Warriors. Although it’s too early to judge his long-term potential, Podziemski has already shown flashes of promise, and his future trajectory could add some much-needed depth to the roster. However, the reality remains that Golden State cannot rely solely on late-round picks for their rebuilding efforts.

The Warriors’ Current Situation: Balancing Future and Present

The 2026 season finds the Golden State Warriors in a precarious situation. They are still competitive with Stephen Curry at the helm but have faced significant challenges in transitioning to a future without him. The team’s lack of high-level young talent, compounded by missed opportunities in recent drafts, has left them in a position where they need to get creative in their roster-building efforts.

If the Warriors decide to continue focusing on a win-now mentality, they could be forced to trade their future assets for established stars in an effort to maximize Curry’s remaining years. On the other hand, if they choose to build for the future, they may need to further develop Kuminga, Moody, and other young players while continuing to scour the draft for potential gems.

The Future of the Warriors Beyond Curry

The Warriors have time to figure out their future, but the clock is ticking. Curry’s career is winding down, and the team must quickly make decisions about how to ensure continued success. Will Richard and other young players like Kuminga and Moody represent the hope that Golden State can remain competitive, but their development will be key. The next few seasons will be critical in shaping the Warriors’ future—one that may eventually be built around the talent they develop rather than relying solely on their championship pedigree.

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, expect the Warriors to make moves that reflect their win-now mindset, but also keep an eye on how they navigate their long-term future. The decisions made over the next couple of seasons will determine whether the Warriors can continue to contend after Curry’s departure, or if they will have to embark on a full rebuild to stay relevant in the competitive Western Conference.

Evan Massey is a sports reporter and analyst based in Indianapolis, Indiana. He covers the NBA, NFL, MLB, and WNBA, and has contributed to major outlets like Yahoo! Sports, Bleacher Report, and Forbes.

This expanded version offers a deeper look at Golden State Warriors’ challenges in terms of drafting and player development, while also highlighting the team’s current struggles and potential strategies for staying competitive in the post-Stephen Curry era. The article also emphasizes the importance of Will Richard’s development and the broader implications of the Warriors’ draft history.