The Phoenix Suns NEED to re-sign Richaun Holmes this summer

The Phoenix Suns have a big off season ahead of them and need to make a lot of decisions. They need to make sure they re-sign Richaun Holmes in the process.

It’s been a rough season for fans of the purple and orange army, through all of their losing battles. However, there have been some bright spots and Richaun Holmes is one them. Prior to the season, he was acquired from Philadelphia by the Phoenix Suns for a bag of chips, er cash. Seriously, no players or picks were given up for him, just cash.

Even though the Suns did “pay” for him, that transaction ended up being an absolute steal for Phoenix. His role was uncertain prior to the season as a third center, with the team drafting Deandre Ayton with the first pick and having veteran Tyson Chandler on board to back him up.

However, Holmes played well in limited minutes and Chandler agreed to a buyout freeing up the backup center spot which Holmes grabbed firmly onto and never let go of.

In 68 games, he’s shot about 61% from the field while averaging 8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 16.5 minutes per game. Those are solid numbers for a backup center. He’s very efficient in limited playing time as that’s 17.5 points, 10 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per 36 minutes.

He’s exactly what you want in a backup center. He’s a good rebounder (see 11 in 16 minutes against the Rockets on March 15th). He’s a defender that can protect the paint (ask the Lakers, as he had not one but two games with 4 blocks against them this season). He can get to the line and make them at a decent rate. About 50% of his shots results in free throws and he knocks them down at about a 74% rate.

Richaun provides energy and hustle, which have been badly needed on this club. He’s passionate and energetic, which is noticed by opponent’s as he throws down ferocious slams on them. Holmes has 91 dunks on the season, 10 more than LeBron James and only 12 less than Joel Embiid to put that number into perspective.

His efficient offensive game, which includes a pretty push shot/floater in the lane shows as much finesse as power. He’s scored in double digits on 30 different occasions this season, including a 7-for-9 field goal and 5-for-7 free throw exhibition for 19 points in 25 minutes against the Clippers on December 10th.

Overall, Richaun is a likeable guy, very efficient in limited minutes and provides exactly what a backup center should. He’ll be a free agent this summer and the Suns would be very smart to come to a deal with him quickly and make him a part of their long term plans.