PHOENIX SUNS

ESPN’s Lowe names Suns’ Holmes as a Walton All-Star

Apr 8, 2019, 11:54 AM | Updated: 1:12 pm

Phoenix Suns forward Richaun Holmes pulls down a rebound as Detroit Pistons forward Thon Maker (7) ...

Phoenix Suns forward Richaun Holmes pulls down a rebound as Detroit Pistons forward Thon Maker (7) and guard Reggie Jackson (1) defend during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 21, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

(AP Photo/Matt York)

Although the 2018-19 season is one the Phoenix Suns want to forget, there is no doubt that it brought some positives alongside its negatives. One of those positives was backup center Richaun Holmes.

ESPN’s Zach Lowe named Holmes as one of his annual Luke Walton All-Stars.

Each year, Lowe picks his favorite bit players who have been overlooked or underappreciated while being effective in the roles they are given.

Lowe complimented Holmes on playing his role effectively and providing a jolt of energy to the Suns every time he checked into a game.

Holmes is shooting 61 percent, mostly on dunks and layups. Like [Khem] Birch, he has embraced the drudgery of endless zero-to-60 rim runs that yield little in the way of touches or numbers. Only three rotation bigs roll to the rim after setting picks more often, per possession, than Holmes, according to Second Spectrum. Phoenix has been much better with Holmes on the floor.

Since arriving in the desert in July 2018, Holmes has averaged 8.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.

Another thing Lowe touched on was Holmes’ sudden change in his number of three-point attempts this season compared to his previous three.

He has taken zero 3s after launching 77 two seasons ago as the Sixers tried to turn him into a stretch-center and find minutes for him at power forward.

After the Philadelphia 76ers dealt Holmes to the Suns because they had no spot for him, Lowe originally thought that the 25-year-old was entering a even tougher position in Phoenix.

With No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton and veteran Tyson Chandler in front of him, Holmes had to prove to the Suns that he deserved an everyday role. After the team surprisingly waived Chandler in November, Holmes got his chance to prove himself and did not disappoint.

With all that being said, Holmes will test free agency for the first time this summer. After the 2018-19 season proved to be one of the most productive seasons of his career, he is sure to find a place as an effective role player.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Phoenix Suns

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during th...

Kellan Olson

Suns respond to season’s low point with thorough win over Nuggets

The guessing game of which Suns team shows up on which night persists. The best current version did on Wednesday in a win over the Nuggets.

12 hours ago

Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at T...

David Veenstra

Bradley Beal in, Jusuf Nurkic out for Suns’ matchup with Nuggets

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal is active for Wednesday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets while center Jusuf Nurkic is out.

15 hours ago

Tyler Kolek, Marquette...

Damon Allred

Here’s who Phoenix Suns fans should watch in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

The Suns' first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft sits at No. 19 overall, and they could select a star from the NCAA Tournament.

19 hours ago

Phoenix Suns take on San Antonio Spurs...

Arizona Sports

O’Neale: Phoenix Suns took Spurs ‘too lightly’ in glaring loss

The Phoenix Suns' lack of effort was on display Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs, leading to an honest film session.

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Royce O’Neale: Suns took Spurs “a little too lightly”

Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the team's disappointing loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and to look ahead at the team's remaining schedule, as they continue to make a push toward the NBA playoffs.

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: How the Suns lost to the Spurs before they stepped on the court

Burns & Gambo react to the Phoenix Suns stunning loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and try to figure out why it happened.

2 days ago

ESPN’s Lowe names Suns’ Holmes as a Walton All-Star