8 players the Philadelphia 76ers gave up on too soon

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 01: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Orlando Magic shoots over Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on February 01, 2023 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. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

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Richaun Holmes (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

6. Richaun Holmes

Another quality young center who hovered around the periphery of Philadelphia’s rotation before getting, essentially, let go for nothing. The Sixers traded Holmes to the Phoenix Suns for cash considerations in 2018. And, while that cash was being considered, Holmes developed into a productive player for Phoenix and then Sacramento. While that was happening, Philly cycled through the likes of Amir Johnson, Greg Monroe, Dwight Howard, and DeAndre Jordan at backup center.

In 2020-21, Holmes averaged 14.2 points and 8.3 rebounds in 29.2 minutes per game with Sacramento. He was a legitimate starting-caliber big who carried a signifiant offensive weight for the Kings prior to Domantas Sabonis’ midseason arrival.

Holmes’ lackluster defense was often cited as the reason for the variance in his playing time with Philadelphia. And, while a lot of Sixers fans have come to better appreciate Brett Brown in hindsight, he did have an annoying (very Doc-like) tendency to ride with the “established” vet over the flawed youngster once the Sixers were trying to win games.

Holmes’ defense improved in the years after his departure, the his real value was always rooted in offense. A springboard athlete who can play effortlessly above the rim, Holmes would have been a great fit next to more traditional halfcourt playmakers like Jimmy Butler or James Harden. Alas, it was not to be.