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) 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.
