Does Richaun Holmes deserve minutes?

By Christopher Kline | Feb 15, 2018

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 6: Richaun Holmes #22 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up before the game against the Washington Wizards on February 6, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

A lot of factors play into the Philadelphia 76ers‘ decision to limit Richaun Holmes‘ minutes.

Up to this point in the season, Richaun Holmes’ minutes have been sparse. He’s glued to the end of the Philadelphia 76ers‘ bench, only seeing the floor when Joel Embiid (or one of his reserves) is forced to sit. Wednesday night was one of those games.

With Embiid sidelined due to a sore right ankle, Holmes stepped into the regular rotation and got 28 minutes, more than both Amir Johnson and Trevor Booker. The former Bowling Green standout didn’t disappoint either, tallying 11 points, nine rebounds and two blocks.

All season, there has been a significant portion of the Sixers’ fanbase in favor giving Holmes more playing time. Johnson isn’t the most aesthetically-pleasing option, while neither he nor Booker can play above the rim like Holmes. Having somebody who’s capable of finishing off lobs is a nifty option next to Ben Simmons.

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There are plenty of valid points on both sides of the argument. Holmes’ energy whenever he touches to the floor is infectious, and it shows with some of the plays he makes on both ends. He’s also a subpar defender who, when he’s not skying for some gravity-defying block, tends to lose his assignment and get caught in the wrong spots.

The latter is the primary reason behind Brett Brown keeping Holmes on the bench. Johnson, while lacking lateral quickness and general mobility, is still a smart defender who normally puts himself in the right position on a regular basis. Booker is much of the same, with a strong frame and veteran savvy that Holmes can’t replicate.

Hustle has value, though, and Holmes brings plenty of that. His high-flying dunks get the crowd (and the team) fired up, while his defensive flaws can be covered up by his grit and ability to play above the rim. He’s also a mobile athlete for his size, which at least presents some long-term upside.

Offensively, Holmes makes more sense than both Johnson and Booker in a lot of spots. He’s the best shooter of the three, which would make him the better fit next to Joel Embiid on paper. His chemistry with Simmons is evident as well, which ties back to that ability to get above the rim.

Highlight dunks, fun blocks and a heavy dosage of energy are things every fan wants to see. Holmes provides all three with regularity.

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So, in a sense, Holmes does deserve minutes. Even with his defensive issues, he plays a brand of basketball that has inherent value in short spurts. A handful of short-minute stints every now and then would probably benefit the team.

He doesn’t deserve a significant role, though. He’s just not there yet in his development, while the Sixers clearly have playoff aspirations this season. As upsetting as it may be to some, the team is better off with Johnson shouldering the bulk of the backup center minutes.

If something randomly changes post-All-Star break and the Sixers are back in developmental mode, then Holmes obviously needs to be on the court. Assuming that doesn’t happen, reserving him for occasional bursts of playing time is best.

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That’s still a change Brett Brown would have to make, as Holmes hasn’t elevated to that kind of role yet. I’d like to see him get a chance every now and then.