Richaun Holmes
While he isn’t a true center at 6’10”, much like Kelly Oubre, Richaun Holmes is the kind of player that playoff teams need off the bench with his energy, defense, and ability to explode offensively on any given moment (do not expect double-digit scoring every game or even ever three games, but the moment the opponents turn their backs on him, he will score with impunity).
Since the Phoenix Suns decided to take Deandre Ayton first overall (a decision that I whole-heartedly believe to have been the correct choice), they set themselves up for the need of a strong backup center.
Hence the necessity, and acquisition, of Holmes.
Because of Holmes’ height and quickness, he is the perfect center to guard smaller, quicker defenders that teams will throw at Phoenix when they try to small-ball the Suns in an attempt to isolate and confuse Ayton – this is what the Golden State Warriors did on December 31, 2018, and while it worked for a time, Phoenix also was without the services of Holmes who likely would have thrived in that environment.
Again, true playoff teams need depth, and keeping Holmes around is the perfect solution for that problem.
Richaun Holmes should be a part of that next Suns playoff team as a player who thrives in the backup center role and provides the defensive energy to where down opponents for the more talent Ayton to destroy.