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Phoenix Suns: Richaun Holmes isn’t worth a second round pick

By Dan Volpone

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 28: Philadelphia 76ers Center Richaun Holmes (22) puts in a dunk in the first half during the game between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers on March 28, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 28: Philadelphia 76ers Center Richaun Holmes (22) puts in a dunk in the first half during the game between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers on March 28, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Richaun Holmes is a good fit as the backup center of the Phoenix Suns, but he isn’t worth the second rounder the team gave up to get him.

After an eventful Friday morning, the Suns are walking away with Richaun Holmes as their new big man. He’s a spark plug off the bench who runs the floor and finishes well at the rim. He’s a walking highlight reel, but he’s not a good shooter or defender, which hurts his ability to play for long stretches.

Earlier in the day, the Suns traded Jared Dudley and a top 35 protected second round pick to Brooklyn in exchange for about-to-be-bought-out Darrell Arthur. With the cap space they saved in the deal, they brought in Holmes in exchange for cash considerations sent to Philadelphia. So essentially, Holmes was acquired indirectly for a second round pick.

That begs the question: is Holmes worth a second round pick? Let’s take a look at his career to find out.

Holmes was drafted 37th overall out of Bowling Green in the 2015 NBA Draft. He’ll play next season at 25. So far in his career, his production hasn’t been very impressive. Last season, he played just 48 games with two starts, and he had many Did Not Plays Coach’s Decision.

When he does play, he’s had success as an energizer for a few minutes a game, but he was never able to establish himself as the Sixers’ backup with coach Brett Brown preferring Amir Johnson. If not for back-to-backs and injuries causing Joel Embiid to miss games, Holmes would’ve gotten even fewer appearances.

If Holmes isn’t asked to play many minutes, he’s a perfect fit and energy guy on the Phoenix Suns. But if he’s asked to be the full-time backup, his poor shooting and defensive awareness will be exposed.

There are positives to the Holmes acquisition. He’s a fun, exciting player to watch, and he has pretty solid versatility. He’s primarily a center, but he has had a bit of success playing the four in spurts alongside Embiid. He could have similar success in situational lineups with Deandre Ayton. And for what it’s worth, he has just one year remaining on his team-friendly deal.

Next: Swap of Dudley for Holmes is great news for young Suns

But unfortunately, he just hasn’t shown an ability to handle consistent meaningful minutes. He’s played three seasons since being selected in the second round, and the team that selected him was willing to part ways for nothing more than cash. Richaun Holmes isn’t worth the second round pick it took to acquire him.

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