Warriors' Steve Kerr touts Will Richard as being 'fundamentally sound'

Will Richard has played a key role for the Golden State Warriors, and coach Steve Kerr believes it was his work before training camp that has enabled him to have a productive year.

Richard is averaging 8.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, one assist and one steal while shooting 39.3% from 3-point range in 27 appearances with the Warriors. He is one of five first-year players to score at least 30 points in a game this season.

The 56th pick in the draft was highly touted out of Florida as a player who can develop into a steady 3-and-D option off the bench. He has showcased those traits throughout the first half of the season, which has stood out to his coach.

"He arrived in our facility over the summer as a very well-developed player," Kerr said on Monday. "He played four years of college and, obviously, played in huge games, won a national championship, but you can see he is very fundamentally sound: The jump stops, the pivots, the passing, shooting the ball well. He just has a good feel. He is one of our best runners in transition, which sets up an entire possession for everybody else, even if he doesn't get the ball."

Richard, signed to a four-year contract, set his season high on Nov. 5, recording 30 points, seven rebounds and three assists in a loss to the Sacramento Kings. He tied Jerry Lucas for the second-most points scored by a player in their first career start with the Warriors. 

The 23-year-old has often been praised by Kerr and the rest of the team for his championship experience. He has also filled in as a productive player and a good complement on the court around the likes of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler.

Richard has emerged as a vital contributor, either as a starter or a reserve player for Kerr. He has embraced his role with the team and appears to have a bright future ahead.

"He was in our gym in August and September before camp started, so he got a head start," Kerr said. "He put in the work, and our young coaches were there with him every day. I think it all helped him just be in the role he is now."

Note: Sharif Phillips-Keaton of Nets Wire contributed to this story

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Warriors news: Steve Kerr credits Will Richard for early preparation