16. Richaun Holmes
76ers stats:
| Season | Age | Tm | Pos | G | GS | MP | FG% | 3P% | 2P% | eFG% | FT% | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | 22 | PHI | PF | 51 | 1 | 13.8 | .514 | .182 | .596 | .532 | .689 | 2.6 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 1.8 | 5.6 |
| 2016-17 | 23 | PHI | C | 57 | 17 | 20.9 | .558 | .351 | .606 | .591 | .699 | 5.5 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 2.4 | 9.8 |
| 2017-18 | 24 | PHI | C | 48 | 2 | 15.5 | .560 | .129 | .624 | .568 | .661 | 4.4 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 2.0 | 6.5 |
| 3 seasons | PHI | 156 | 20 | 16.9 | .547 | .257 | .609 | .570 | .687 | 4.2 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 2.1 | 7.4 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/5/2019.
Richaun Holmes embodied the process in numerous ways. He was one of several second-round picks given an opportunity under Sam Hinkie’s regime, labeled a project but offered ample playing time in the Sixers’ talent-deprived rotations. He also survived the transition from lottery-bound to playoff-bound.
Despite promising flashes, Holmes never found his footing in Philadelphia. His athleticism, highlight blocks and upside were tantalizing. He even hit the occasional three-point shot. When it came to establishing himself in the Sixers’ overloaded frontcourt, however, it never quite happened.
Holmes was a casualty of the Sixers’ unique frontcourt situation, which became one of the process’ biggest hallmarks — for reasons good and bad. Joel Embiid was an immediate game-changer, but Holmes also dealt with the presence of Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel. There was constant competition and controversy, which made it hard for Holmes to find stability as the prospect with the least draft pedigree.
Once the process transitioned into competitive basketball, Holmes found himself in Brett Brown’s metaphorical doghouse. He lacked the defensive awareness to stick on the court, with Brown preferring Amir Johnson in Holmes’ final year with the team. Even so, Holmes remained the fun, sporadic center whose hustle caused many fans to identify with and cheer for him.
A representation of Philly grit and the process’ different stages, Holmes was one of the Sixers’ more emblematic players of the era.