The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers’ Core: Ultimate Roster Analysis and Predictions

By Bret Stuter

Apr 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) practices prior to a game against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. The New York Knicks won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) practices prior to a game against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. The New York Knicks won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Richaun Holmes (22) blocks Orlando Magic forward Jason Smith (14) shot during second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 130-116. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Richaun Holmes (22) blocks Orlando Magic forward Jason Smith (14) shot during second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 130-116. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Richaun Holmes

Status: Second season, productive reserve role, versatile
Contracted Through: 2019
Current 2016-2017 Salary: $1,050,000
Trade Value:  High second round pick

Strengths: Holmes is a very mature second year player, already older than a third of the team. That maturity has translated into a strong performance at the rim, and a strong defense.
Offense: When he shoots baskets, he’s quite accurate. In fact, 26 NBA rookies who played at least 700 total minutes last season, Holmes’ 51.4 field goal percentage ranked fourth.  Looking exclusively at two-point field goal percentage, Holmes topped all first-year performers by a wide margin, hitting 59.6 of his tries inside the arc.
Defense: Under the “good offense makes good defense” category,Holmes led the Sixers with a rate of 3.2 offensive boards per 36 minutes.  Per 36 minutes, he averaged 6.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 1.0 steals. With Nerlens Noel under center, and Jerami Grant at the three, he  comprises one of the youngest and staunchest defensive front court lineups in the NBA.

Weaknesses:  Despite a better than average maturity, Holmes is one of the least experienced players on the team.  While he appeared in 51 games, he started just one game last year. When he entered the game, he didn’t play for long, averaging just 13.8 minutes per game.
Offense: Offensively, the 76ers have no power forward threatening from the three point line. Holmes sank eight of 44 attempts from the perimeter, but vows to improve both frequency and accuracy of that shot this year.
Defense: While a very solid player on defense,

Probability of 2016-2017 Roster:  79 percent.  Assuming the 76ers flex Ben Simmons into a small forward slot, Holmes should make the team.  He had some summer league competition from Christian Wood, but won that battle when Wood signed on with the Charlotte Hornets.

Next: Wood