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Kings: What To Expect From Richaun Holmes

By Gurjus Singh

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 23: Richaun Holmes #21 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a free-throw shot against the Sacramento Kings on March 23, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 23: Richaun Holmes #21 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a free-throw shot against the Sacramento Kings on March 23, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Sacramento Kings
Sacramento Kings Richaun Holmes (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Throughout last season, Kings fans were thinking of dream scenarios heading into free agency as to which players would best fit with the Kings.

One of the Dream scenarios Sacramento Kings fans were hoping for was a Richaun Holmes signing. Kings fans got their wish when Holmes signed a two-year contract worth $10 million.

Who is Richuan Holmes?

Holmes is a 6’10” PF/C who last played for the Phoenix Suns and averaged 8.2 points per game on 60.8% shooting and 4.7 rebounds per game in 71 contests. Earlier in his career, he played with the Philadelphia 76ers, wherein the ’16-’17 season he had a career year with 9.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.  Holmes is only 25 years old, fitting the Kings timeline with Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic. His age provides hope that Holmes can improve his game with more experience.

What can Richuan Holmes Provide for the Kings?

Holmes can provide the things that the Kings were missing last season. In his time with the 76ers, he was the energy guy who the 76ers players would lob the ball to. He is the guy that can help out in the paint, provides the energy, and can get second-chance opportunities. He cuts hard in the paint and even has a touch of offense with the teardrop shot. This is what the Kings were missing in Willie Cauley-Stein last season.

In this video Kelly Oubre, describes Holmes as “contagious”, mentioning he’s been doing it throughout his whole career.  The video shows his defensive abilities with a block against both Cauley-Stein and Harry Giles.

In this highlight video of Holmes he shows off his shooting ability. During the ’16-’17 season, he averaged 35% from deep on 1.4 attempts, by far his best season from behind the arc. He also gets a chase-down block.

This video shows that with energy and effort, Holmes can be a beast. He is surrounded by a triple team and still ends up getting the basket.

What should Richuan Holmes show Kings fans this season?

Although Holmes can provide improvement for the Kings right now, he should still try to incorporate shooting back into his game. Head coach Luke Walton says he expects the Kings to shoot more threes, and hopefully, Holmes is a part of that mix.

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Holmes also needs to remain aggressive on the glass. If the Kings can rebound better than last season, they will have a chance up their win total from a season ago. Last year, the Kings were the 15th best rebounding team, but should improve with Holmes in the mix. He should be able to help out more with the pick and roll, on both the offensive and defensive ends. If he can, the Sacramento Kings will be better in the half-court against slower teams. 

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