The Golden State Warriors appear set to rely heavily on their established veterans as they prepare for a crucial 2025-26 NBA season. Despite drafting two promising prospects - 6-foot-5 NCAA champion Will Richard and Australian forward Alex Toohey - reports suggest both rookies could spend extended stretches on the bench as head coach Steve Kerr leans on his experienced stars.
With the Golden State Warriors’ core of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green all nearing the twilight of their careers, Golden State’s immediate focus remains squarely on chasing another championship before Curry’s eventual retirement. This approach, however, may come at the cost of development time for the team’s young talent.
Coaching Staff Expected to Limit Rookie Minutes
“There was a time this offseason (two weeks ago) where it looked like Alex Toohey (the No. 52 overall pick) and Will Richard (No. 56) may have to fill rotation spots due to a lack of bodies with the Golden State Warriors,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz. “With Jonathan Kuminga now under contract and veterans like Al Horford, Seth Curry, Gary Payton II and De’Anthony Melton able to sign, both rookies will need to wait their turns.”
According to Swartz, the Golden State Warriors’ depth and veteran-heavy rotation make it unlikely that either rookie will log significant minutes early in the season. “Toohey will at least begin the season on a two-way contract while Richard has the best chance at early playing time thanks to his championship experience at Florida,” Swartz added. (H/t: Sporting News)
Potential Playing Time Outlook
Swartz concluded that if Golden State’s aging roster “is able to stay on the court,” neither rookie is likely to “get much run in 2025–26.”
Why the Golden State Warriors Drafted Experienced Prospects
Even if their minutes are limited, both rookies were drafted for their maturity and readiness to contribute when called upon. Golden State’s front office deliberately targeted experienced players who could adapt quickly to an NBA environment filled with pressure and high expectations.
Will Richard, a 6-foot-5 guard from the University of Florida, brings proven scoring and defensive instincts. As a four-year collegiate standout, he played a pivotal role in Florida’s 2025 National Championship run. In the title game against the University of Houston, Richard led the Gators with 18 points. Over 40 regular-season appearances, he averaged 13.3 points, 1.7 steals, and posted a 59.2% effective field goal percentage - all career highs.
Alex Toohey, on the other hand, arrives with professional experience from Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL). The 21-year-old Canberra native spent two seasons with the Sydney Kings, averaging 9.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 0.7 blocks between 2023 and 2025. His time overseas provided him with valuable exposure to high-level basketball before entering the NBA.
Veteran Depth Leaves Little Room for Experimentation
The Golden State Warriors’ depth chart heading into the season paints a clear picture of where opportunities may be scarce:
• Stephen Curry (PG)
• Jimmy Butler (SF)
• Draymond Green (PF)
• Al Horford (C)
• Jonathan Kuminga (F)
• Seth Curry, Gary Payton II, and De’Anthony Melton (Bench depth and rotation)
With such an experienced lineup, the coaching staff is expected to prioritize continuity and on-court chemistry over rookie development, at least in the early months of the season.
While the immediate future may not feature much playing time for Will Richard and Alex Toohey, both rookies are positioned to learn from some of the league’s most decorated veterans. The Golden State Warriors’ investment in Richard’s four-year deal suggests confidence in his long-term potential, while Toohey’s two-way contract provides him the flexibility to grow within both the NBA and G-League systems.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors Predicted to Sign $60 Million Chicago Bulls Superstar to Form Big 3 With Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler
Golden State’s veteran-first strategy underscores the urgency to maximize what could be the final title window of the Curry era. Yet even as the franchise looks to capture its eighth championship, its rookies represent the next chapter - a potential bridge to the Warriors’ future beyond their current dynasty.
With the Golden State Warriors’ core of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green all nearing the twilight of their careers, Golden State’s immediate focus remains squarely on chasing another championship before Curry’s eventual retirement. This approach, however, may come at the cost of development time for the team’s young talent.
Coaching Staff Expected to Limit Rookie Minutes
“There was a time this offseason (two weeks ago) where it looked like Alex Toohey (the No. 52 overall pick) and Will Richard (No. 56) may have to fill rotation spots due to a lack of bodies with the Golden State Warriors,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz. “With Jonathan Kuminga now under contract and veterans like Al Horford, Seth Curry, Gary Payton II and De’Anthony Melton able to sign, both rookies will need to wait their turns.”
According to Swartz, the Golden State Warriors’ depth and veteran-heavy rotation make it unlikely that either rookie will log significant minutes early in the season. “Toohey will at least begin the season on a two-way contract while Richard has the best chance at early playing time thanks to his championship experience at Florida,” Swartz added. (H/t: Sporting News)
Potential Playing Time Outlook
Swartz concluded that if Golden State’s aging roster “is able to stay on the court,” neither rookie is likely to “get much run in 2025–26.”
Why the Golden State Warriors Drafted Experienced Prospects
Even if their minutes are limited, both rookies were drafted for their maturity and readiness to contribute when called upon. Golden State’s front office deliberately targeted experienced players who could adapt quickly to an NBA environment filled with pressure and high expectations.
Will Richard, a 6-foot-5 guard from the University of Florida, brings proven scoring and defensive instincts. As a four-year collegiate standout, he played a pivotal role in Florida’s 2025 National Championship run. In the title game against the University of Houston, Richard led the Gators with 18 points. Over 40 regular-season appearances, he averaged 13.3 points, 1.7 steals, and posted a 59.2% effective field goal percentage - all career highs.
Alex Toohey, on the other hand, arrives with professional experience from Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL). The 21-year-old Canberra native spent two seasons with the Sydney Kings, averaging 9.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 0.7 blocks between 2023 and 2025. His time overseas provided him with valuable exposure to high-level basketball before entering the NBA.
Veteran Depth Leaves Little Room for Experimentation
The Golden State Warriors’ depth chart heading into the season paints a clear picture of where opportunities may be scarce:
• Stephen Curry (PG)
• Jimmy Butler (SF)
• Draymond Green (PF)
• Al Horford (C)
• Jonathan Kuminga (F)
• Seth Curry, Gary Payton II, and De’Anthony Melton (Bench depth and rotation)
With such an experienced lineup, the coaching staff is expected to prioritize continuity and on-court chemistry over rookie development, at least in the early months of the season.
While the immediate future may not feature much playing time for Will Richard and Alex Toohey, both rookies are positioned to learn from some of the league’s most decorated veterans. The Golden State Warriors’ investment in Richard’s four-year deal suggests confidence in his long-term potential, while Toohey’s two-way contract provides him the flexibility to grow within both the NBA and G-League systems.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors Predicted to Sign $60 Million Chicago Bulls Superstar to Form Big 3 With Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler
Golden State’s veteran-first strategy underscores the urgency to maximize what could be the final title window of the Curry era. Yet even as the franchise looks to capture its eighth championship, its rookies represent the next chapter - a potential bridge to the Warriors’ future beyond their current dynasty.
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