Philadelphia 76ers 2017-18 Second Unit: Post-Draft Edition

Power Forward: Richaun Holmes

Similar to Saric, Holmes was another player whose numbers skyrocketed as a result of Joel Embiid’s injury. His averages went from 6.6 points, 4.3 boards, and 0.8 blocks in 15.9 minutes before the All-Star break to 13.6 points, 6.9 boards, and 1.2 blocks in 26.9 minutes per game after the break.

Obviously, his defensive abilities are nowhere near those of Embiid, but the springy Holmes will certainly be able to cover for The Process for about 20 minutes each night.

In this unit, Holmes is the primary rim protector.  That role changes on offense, as he has the range to spread the floor. His three-point percentage last year was double that of his rookie year, rising from 18.5 percent to 35.1 percent.  Beyond that, he continues to focus on that shot as he revealed in a Twitter Q&A .  It makes sense for him to improve it.

Value Added

He has plenty of passion.  But expanding his range to that of a bona fide strech-four, he and Dario Saric will have their fill of open shots.

Holmes is reminiscent of a poor man’s version of a young Dwight Howard. On one hand, D12 is a much better defender and overall player than Holmes at age 23.  On the other hand, neither of the two big men have any reliable post moves to use when they get the ball with their backs to the basket. For Howard, that was fine.   His teammates included Jameer Nelson and Hedo Turkgolu in its starting lineup.  That was a true contender in the Eastern Conference each year. For Holmes, it shouldn’t be too much of a hindrance, either  In fact,  he can shoot and, like young Howard, can almost always throw it down over a defender.