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Warriors fans divided as Steph Curry sells fake story to inspire rookie Will Richard

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Steph Curry appears to have used a fabricated story to inspire rookie Will Richard after receiving a series of DNPs, prompting fans to react online. Richard walked off the court on Saturday to help the Golden State Warriors beat the Phoenix Suns and end their three-game losing streak.

Speaking to the media after his 119-116 win, Richard shared what Curry told him after coach Steve Kerr temporarily removed him from coaching. It motivated the newbie to stay ready because opportunities will always be there.

“(The vets) just said there are a lot of ups and downs,” Richard said. “I mean, Steve told me he had eight DNPs in a row his first year, and he was just like, ‘Just keep your head up, and keep working.’ He was like, ‘When your time comes be ready.’ So those guys helped me a lot in my success.”

Golden State Warriors fans were quick to fact-check the story of Steph Curry earning eight straight DNPs as a starter. Curry played 80 games in his first year in the NBA, so there was no way for him to get eight straight DNPs.

However, the Warriors fan base was divided on how the two-time MVP should motivate Will Richard to stay ready. Below are some comments on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Lying to motivate a teammate is true leadership 😂

Law lies for no reason Steve, but he probably only played some games for 3-5 minutes

He’s been hanging out with LeBron a lot 🤣🤣

Great leaders know how to build trust in the absence of truth.

Steph went to LeBron’s school of lying

Regardless of the rookie’s lie, Steph Curry taught Will Richard how to deal with not getting any minutes while still staying ready if his number is called. Richard seems to have the personality of a veteran, perhaps due to having played four years of collegiate basketball.

Richard had 20 points and five rebounds, made four 3-pointers, and went 6-for-7 from the field in the Warriors’ win over the Suns.

Why did Steve Kerr remove Will Richard from his rotation?

Before his 20-point outburst off the bench on Saturday, Will Richard had three straight DNPs despite playing good basketball. Richard also had two DNPs early in the season, but is back in the rotation.

But why did Steve Kerr remove his rookie minutes? That’s because veterans are healthy, Kerr told reporters late last week.

“Right now, honestly, he’s sitting because he’s a rookie and I respect what the seniors have done over the years,” Kerr said, according to NBC Sports Bay Area. “I think that’s good for chemistry, and I think that’s the way it goes.”

It will be interesting to see if Richard stays in Kerr’s rotation given that the Warriors are 1-4 when he gets DNPs.