The Sixer Sense
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Richaun Holmes’ return means Sixers are betting on upside

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 24: Philadelphia 76ers Center Richaun Holmes (22) slams down a dunk in the first half during the game between the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers on February 24, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 24: Philadelphia 76ers Center Richaun Holmes (22) slams down a dunk in the first half during the game between the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers on February 24, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia 76ers will hold onto the former Bowling Green standout for one more year.

He’s back. The Philadelphia 76ers have picked up the team option for Richaun Holmes‘ 2018-19 season, keeping the big man around for one more season. He’ll make a total of $1.6 million.

Many, including myself, thought the Sixers would move on from Holmes. Looking for a max free agent this summer, clearing up as much cap space as possible will be a priority. Holmes, while inexpensive, saw little playing time last season. He just never earned Brett Brown’s trust.

It seems like the Sixers are willing to bet on Holmes’ upside, though. This is Brown’s first decision as interim GM, which debunks the notion that he has lost faith in Holmes entirely. Holmes’ inconsistent defense was a point of emphasis last season, but his athleticism and ability to play above the rim still have value.

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Ben Simmons‘ chemistry with Holmes has always been a positive, dating back to Summer League 2016. Holmes does an excellent job of making strong cuts and playing above the rim, something Simmons can use to his advantage. Amir Johnson, while far more stable defensively, never gave Simmons an above-rim option in the second unit.

There is also hope that Holmes can develop into a reliable three-point shooter. He shot just 12.9 percent from deep last season, but shot 35.1 percent on more attempts the year before. There’s reason to believe that, with a steady dosage of playing time and rhythm, Holmes can be a serviceable shooter.

Holmes’ defensive issues are well-documented. His thin frame and poor instincts are a bad combination, normally offsetting his athleticism and occasional high-flying block.

With that said, Holmes does have some untapped potential on that side of the ball. If he can hone in his awareness and improve fundamentally, his ability to reject weak-side shots and switch onto the perimeter should earn him minutes.

The energy and effort has never been in question for Holmes. If he shows growth with his all-around skill set, there’s nothing holding him back from legitimate playing time next season.

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As of right now, Joel Embiid and Holmes are the only centers on the roster, joining Dario Saric in the frontcourt. Jonah Bolden is widely expected to come stateside next season, though, while another veteran free agent target (or re-signing Johnson) could be on the table.

UPDATE: Holmes’ contract is non-guaranteed until Jan. 10, which means the Sixers can cut him without consequence in an effort to clear cap space this summer.