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Phoenix Suns: breaking down new big man Richaun Holmes

By Joshua Patterson

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 26: Markieff Morris #11 of the Phoenix Suns and Richaun Holmes #22 of the Philadelphia 76ers fight for the ball on January 26, 2016 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Suns 113-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 26: Markieff Morris #11 of the Phoenix Suns and Richaun Holmes #22 of the Philadelphia 76ers fight for the ball on January 26, 2016 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Suns 113-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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The Phoenix Suns have acquired Richaun Holmes from the Philadelphia 76ers. Here is everything you need to know about the team’s new big man.

In an interesting move on Friday, the Phoenix Suns sent cash considerations to the Philadelphia 76ers for athletic big man Richaun Holmes, per Yahoo’s Shams Charania.

Holmes is a prototypical athletic NBA big off the bench, bringing both high energy athleticism when he’s on the floor. He’s also a smooth runner and very apt at moving in transition, a positive trait considering the switching and rotating that bigs must do in the modern NBA.

Offensively, Holmes is a good pick and roll big who can finish at the rim, with a field goal percentage of around 56 percent last season. He could be a good fit with Devin Booker, especially in a more pick and roll centric offense, when Deandre Ayton is off the floor.

However, it’s his awareness that’s one of his biggest detractors. He seems to get lost mid possession defensively, causing him to rely too much on his athleticism to make up ground. This does lead to a high number of highlight blocks, but that shouldn’t be mistaken for good defense.

In reality, Holmes was relegated to third string center behind Amir Johnson last season, in large part because he tends to only play well for a small burst before he is exposed on the defensive end.

All in all, Holmes was good for what the 76ers needed out of him. He’s a solid energy guy that can rebound, catch a few lobs, and be a large presence with his 6-10 frame.

Unfortunately, if he’s going to be a primary backup option, it doesn’t make sense to expect a lot from Holmes. He has similar win share numbers to Reggie Evans, which maybe gives a more realistic level of production for Suns fans to look forward to.

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Holmes will give you some great put-back dunks, catch some lobs, and even contribute a few highlight real blocks. But outside of being a decent young backup, especially with Tyson Chandler inevitably heading out the door due to age, don’t expect too much from the Holmes pick up.

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