The keepsake from Warriors rookie Will Richard ’s first NBA game wasn’t just any souvenir -- it was a symbol of how quickly he has earned the respect of his new team.

After Golden State's 119–109 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, coach Steve Kerr handed the rookie guard the game ball, marking the first points of his NBA career.

“We gave him the game ball afterward for his first hoop,” Kerr said. “I told the guys, usually, I know when it is somebody's first hoop, and I make sure we get the ball from the officials right away. I completely forgot tonight. I told the guys the reason I forgot is that Will looks like he is in his seventh year. He doesn’t look like a rookie out there.”

Richard, selected 56th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies and later

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