Richaun Holmes, You Now Have The Floor

By passing Nerlens Noel off, the Philadelphia 76ers are committing to versatile center/power forward Richaun Holmes to back up Joel Embiid.

When you look at the depth chart of the Philadelphia 76ers, it’s tough to understand the value throughout the roster if you haven’t followed the history of the team.  Analysts and pundits often overlook Richaun Holmes in that manner. You see, Holmes is a second year player.  And beyond that,  he played behind Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor, and Joel Embiid.

In short, talent at center just buried him.

But Holmes did not fret. Since being drafted in the 2015 NBA Draft at 37, he is very familiar with the comings and goings on the Philadelphia 76ers roster.

Last season, Holmes did not find much playing time.  He did find a veteran who was happy to share his experience in the NBA.  Carl Landry served well, both instructing and showing Holmes how to remain ready.  “Your time will come.”

Holmes Has The Floor

Now, it seems Richaun Holes’ time is now. And to the credit of Philadelphia 76ers fans, it is a moment they have been waiting for.  The trade of expiring contract Nerlens Noel to the Dallas Mavericks has opened the door for the Philadelphia 76ers’ center/power forward.

Holmes has responded in his two games since with solid outings: He used 26 minutes against the Washington Wizards to put up 12 points, 10 rebounds , 5 blocks, 2 steals and an assist, He followed that up with a 16 minute effort against the Knicks  by posting 9 points, 2 rebounds, 2 blocks and a steal.

Both efforts are better than his season average.

With Noel now traded, Embiid on the bench healing, the 76ers need Holmes to deliver.  So far, he is exceeding hopes and expectations.

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Two Way Versatility

It’s clear that the Philadelphia 76ers have enjoyed strong potential at the center position.  On one hand, Nerlens Noel provided solid defensive athleticism.  On the other hand, Jahlil Okafor has only begun to scratch his offensive surface.  Joel Embiid is a solid “best of both worlds” center.  Could it be that Holmes is following along that genre?

In the rush to “figure out” the Noel versus Okafor saga, Holmes was left off script. That was an error. While he did not emerge from the top five from the draft, he can play hard.

Passion is an incredible attribute in an athlete. Passion will drive the athlete to train harder and longer.  Richaun Holmes has passion.

It was the shine of the top three centers on the Philadelphia 76ers roster that blocked the growing luminescence of Holmes. Of the four centers, Holmes is the most versatile, able to flip over to the power forward role seamlessly.  In all the talk of “two big men”, there is still a discussion to be had about Holmes at the four playing alongside Embiid.  Holmes has versatility.

But most importantly, Richaun Holmes now has playing time. He’s been incredible patient. He’s been very productive. And the Philadelphia 76ers fans are eager to see the show.

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Now, it’s his time to shine.  Richaun Holmes, you have the floor.