3 Ways Richaun Holmes Changes The Sacramento Kings

After a long injury saga, Richaun Holmes is back in the lineup for the Sacramento Kings. Here are three ways the team will benefit from his return.

Richaun Holmes made his return for the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night, contributing 10 points and 8 rebounds in 16 minutes of play after missing 25 games with a torn labrum in his shoulder. The Kings were victorious in a game that they had to have.

Holmes was the early-season MVP for the Kings, and his return is a very welcomed sight as the team makes a late-season playoff push. In the game against Portland, Holmes had his full arsenal of attributes on display, doing the things that made his successful and quickly turned him in to a fan favorite.

What are those things? Here are three ways that Richaun Holmes’ presence helps Sacramento.

#1. Screen Setting

While Harry Giles does his best to set solid screens for the Kings guards, there is no one on the Sacramento roster who bangs around the three point line like Holmes. He has a bigger body than anyone else on the roster except for newcomer Alex Len, whose screens are nothing to sneeze at.

It was apparent that the Kings were willing to welcome back Holmes’ screen setting with open arms. During his limited minutes against the Trail Blazers, Holmes was often found using his frame to free up De’Aaron Fox and other ball handlers.

Another benefit that comes from Holmes’ screens are his abilities in the pick and roll game. His offensive repertoire is not exactly extensive, so he often relies on his athleticism and hustle to get his numbers. He excelled in the pick and roll alongside both Fox and Cory Joseph early in the season, and the Kings will look to utilize it down the stretch of the season.

One issue with being a screen setter is the health of that shoulder. The rim running is enough strain as it is, but banging around with defenders going hard through screens (see: Alex Len and CJ McCollum) could make Holmes susceptible if there are any lingering issues.