Will Richard Injury Update: What Happened to Warriors Rookie and When Will He Return?

Golden State Warriors rookie Will Richard left the game on November 30 after suffering a lower back injury in the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans. The incident happened at Chase Center as the Warriors continued their homestand. The injury raised concern as the team already missed Stephen Curry due to a quadriceps issue.

Richard grabbed his back immediately after taking contact while attempting a rebound. He walked to the locker room under his own power. His injury adds to the Warriors’ early-season challenges as they try to stabilize their record.

What Happened to Will Richard During the Pelicans Game?

Richard suffered the injury shortly after the start of the second quarter. He went up for a rebound and absorbed an elbow from Pelicans forward Kevon Looney. He slowed down instantly, grabbed his back, and walked off the floor. He later returned to the bench with a wrap around his midsection but did not re-enter the game.

His official status for the rest of the night remained unclear at the time. However, based on his limited movement on the sideline, it appeared unlikely that he would return. Richard finished scoreless in seven minutes but recorded one rebound before exiting. Reports from outlets including AP and local team observers noted the sequence and the immediate concern shown by coaches and staff.

Richard has been one of the Warriors’ most promising young players this season. He was drafted 56th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies and later traded to Golden State. In 18 games, he has averaged 8.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. He is shooting 54.9 percent from the field and 39.0 percent from three-point range. His energy, athleticism, and defensive effort have earned him a consistent rotation spot.

The Impact of Will Richard’s Injury on the Warriors

The Warriors are already stretched thin without Stephen Curry, who is recovering from a left quadriceps injury. Losing Richard for any period would affect second-unit scoring and perimeter defense. His spacing and cutting have been valuable in the Warriors’ motion-heavy offense.

Golden State has struggled in recent games, dropping four of their last five. The team has leaned on veterans such as Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, but limited depth has been an issue. Richard’s injury could force the coaching staff to adjust rotations and rely more heavily on players like Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody.

Golden State will continue to monitor Richard’s back and provide updates as the team prepares for its next game. His status will determine how the Warriors adjust during their homestand and whether the rookie can resume his strong early-season form.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What happened to Will Richard during the Warriors game?

He suffered a lower back injury after absorbing an elbow during a rebound attempt. He left the game in the second quarter and did not return.

Q2: When will Will Richard return for the Warriors?

The team has not issued an official timeline. His return depends on how he responds to treatment over the next few days.

Q3: How well was Will Richard playing before the injury?

He averaged 8.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 18 games. He shot efficiently and earned consistent rotation minutes.

Q4: How does Will Richard’s injury impact the Warriors roster?

Golden State loses an energetic defender and reliable shooter. The team may shift minutes to young guards and wings to fill the gap.

Q5: Who replaced Will Richard in the rotation after he exited?

The Warriors relied more on Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody for perimeter minutes. Final rotations may change depending on his recovery.