Florida Favorite Will Richard Unveils New Nickname with Golden State
Since leaving Florida, Will Richard has settled into the NBA with the Golden State Warriors. Despite being a second-round pick, he quickly earned consistent minutes under coach Steve Kerr and quickly became one of the early surprises of the 2025 NBA Draft.
A Fitting Nickname from Teammates
As Richard’s role grows, fans are getting to know him better. This week, he shared the new nickname his teammates have given him during an interview with San Francisco’s 95.7 The Game:
“They call Al [Horford] ‘Big Gator,’ so I’m ‘Baby Gator’ right now. It’s either ‘Rook’ or ‘Baby Gator.’”
Teaming Up with a Florida Legend
Richard is now teammates with Al Horford, a former Florida standout who joined Golden State after playing in Boston. Horford is in his 19th NBA season, while Richard is just starting his career. When Horford and the Florida Gators won their first national championship in 2006, Richard was only 3 years old.
Playing alongside NBA Veterans
Richard also shared his experience playing with Golden State’s veteran core, including stars like Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler:
“I grew up watching these guys. 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.”
Early Career Stats
Six games into his NBA career, Richard is averaging 5.7 points per game in about 13 minutes on the court.
Author’s summary: Will Richard, a promising young player for the Warriors, embraces his new “Baby Gator” nickname while learning from NBA veterans and carving out his place in the league.