Selected by the 76ers with this year’s No. 37 overall pick, Richaun Holmes clearly won’t face the same pressure as first rounder Jahlil Okafor to star for the Sixers, but he could make GM Sam Hinkie look good if he does.
The Bowling Green product has enough size, 6-10 — and a wingspan of 7-2 — that he could be a rebounding and shot-blocking defensive specialist.
He can also bring something else to the Sixers: a lot of personality.
Holmes was in the first group of rookies waiting to get his first NBA trading card at the NBA rookie photo shoot on Saturday. On July 10, it was reported that he fractured his elbow in a summer league game, but he didn't show any signs of the injury during the photo shoot. The Panini America photographers were putting Holmes through the paces. He was jumping and pretending to stick a tomahawk dunk and one-handed dunk. Then he had a change to show off his dribbling, practicing crossovers between his legs.
“I feel great,” Holmes said with a smile. “I’ll be ready to get going through training camp. I’ll be completely healthy and ready to go.”
Going into this season there should be a spot available for the youngster and he seems eager to try and grab it.
“I’m very excited to represent that great city,” Holmes said. “Getting a chance to show my talent and play with some great players, it means a lot.”
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Holmes will go into camp with no ego and a willingness to learn. That’s all you can ask for out of a young player. As far as ingratiating himself to the local market, he really wants to immerse himself in the local culture, but so far his time in Philadelphia has been brief.
“I’ve had a chance to get around just a little bit," he said. "I had a chance to go to the 'Rocky' stairs. I ran up those. It’s been fun so far. Looking forward to seeing more."
The Art Museum steps are iconic, and so many people have seen the Rocky movies. Even though he made it up the steps, he was surprised how many there were.
“Most definitely, most definitely," Holmes said. "It didn’t look like there were that many (on film). Once I got into it I realized it would be a good workout."
Does he have a favorite cheesesteak place?
“Not yet, not yet. I’ve been trying all of them,” he said, sounding like a politician. “I can’t remember all of the names, but I’m looking forward to trying some more.”
He did want to talk about the size that the 76ers will have in camp.
“Drafting guys like Jahlil (Okafor) and drafting guys like (Nerlens) Noel, this is going to be fun,” Holmes said.
He has some simple goals for this season.
“Just help the team win. All I’m concerned about is winning," he sad. "Whatever I can do to help the team win. I’ll do that."
Sixers training camp will be interesting. That’s for sure.