Will Richard Might Play Through a Torn Thumb Ligament Because Why Not

Golden State Warriors guard Will Richard has a torn UCL in his thumb, and Steve Kerr is casually floating the idea that he might just tape it up and keep shooting.

According to Underdog NBA, Richard is meeting with doctors to figure out if he needs surgery or if a splint will do the trick. He is officially out for Monday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans, which is probably for the best considering you generally need a functioning thumb to play professional basketball.

"Kerr: Will Richard could play through torn UCL in thumb; will meet with doctors to determine if he needs surgery or could play with a splint."

The second-year guard has been a massive part of Golden State's recent turnaround. After the Warriors started the season looking completely lost at 0-3, they have ripped off seven straight wins. Richard has been a pest on defense and is shooting a ridiculous 43.9 percent from deep while averaging 5.1 points a night.

Playing through a torn thumb ligament sounds like something a hockey player does in the playoffs, not a shooting guard in November. For context, trying to shoot an NBA three-pointer with a splint on your hand is like trying to text a novel while wearing oven mitts. It is technically possible, but the results are going to be ugly.

If you are looking at the Warriors' rotation props, Richard's absence leaves a noticeable gap in their perimeter defense and floor spacing. He has already dealt with back, heel, ankle, and knee issues in his short career, so adding a torn thumb to the punch card is brutal luck for a guy who was just finding his rhythm.

For now, the Warriors will have to navigate the end of their homestand without him. If doctors decide surgery is the only option, Golden State's depth is going to get tested immediately. If he comes back next week wearing a giant plastic club on his hand, we are about to find out exactly how much a thumb actually matters to a 44 percent three-point shooter.