Nov 9, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Christian Wood (35) in a game against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center. The Bulls won 111-88. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Christian Wood & Richaun Holmes
Although I think Christian Wood and Richaun Holmes have some great tools, they have been unable to utilize them. I’m not sure if that’s all their fault, or if it’s a lack of playing time being given to them, but still, it’s concerning to see that the only players backing up a strong front court of Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor can’t do much at all.
Together, Wood and Holmes are averaging just 9.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game. Their impact on games has been nearly negligible, but it’s not all their fault. Brett Brown has failed to insert them into games, as the rookies together average just 23.5 minutes per game on the floor, less than Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel on their own.
Even with Nerlens Noel out, Brown often opted to start Jerami Grant at the four spot (which he has shown promise at) rather than either of these young players. Ignoring the fact that they’re even available is not healthy, and does not give them a chance to prove their worth to the team.
Wood and Holmes both impressed in the preseason, and there is reason for them to be getting more minutes than they have now. Both average double digit points, and both average over five rebounds per 36 minutes.
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Noel and Okafor can not do everything, so these guys are going to have to step up. Their “improvement” is largely out of their hands though, and more in the hands of Brett Brown.