Richaun Holmes is the quintessential agile, contemporary big man, standing a measured 6 feet 9 inches tall. He has a physical advantage due to his height, which is strikingly similar to that of many of the best forwards in the NBA today, but it’s how he uses it that has drawn attention. Holmes has significantly enhanced the definition of a power forward’s defensive versatility, from disrupting pick-and-roll plays with remarkably quick footwork for a player his size to blocking shots with surgical timing.
Holmes, who was born in Lockport, Illinois, did not become a basketball star through ostentatious college achievements or viral videos. Rather, he developed gradually, first at Moraine Valley Community College and then at Bowling Green, where he improved his footwork and defensive instincts. He started to change from an unnoticed recruit to a prospect deserving of a draft pick there. His positioning and quick reflexes were frequently praised by coaches, especially when he was playing weak-side help defense.
Richaun Holmes Bio and Career
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richaun Diante Holmes |
| Date of Birth | October 15, 1993 |
| Birthplace | Lockport, Illinois, United States |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Weight | 235 lb (107 kg) |
| Position | Power Forward / Center |
| High School | Lockport Township High School |
| Colleges | Moraine Valley CC, Bowling Green |
| NBA Draft | 2015: 2nd round, 37th pick by Philadelphia 76ers |
| NBA Debut | 2015 |
| Teams Played For | 76ers, Suns, Kings, Mavericks, Wizards |
| Latest Activity | Waived by Washington Wizards on July 14, 2025 |
| Known For | Push shot, rim protection, quick footwork, offensive efficiency |
| Source | Basketball Reference |
Holmes’ height is frequently mentioned as his strongest suit, but his gameplay isn’t entirely explained by that statistic. His height of 6’9″ places him in the ideal range between physicality and mobility. He is neither too small to compete under the rim nor too tall to be a hindrance on switches. Given the evolution of the NBA, where frontcourts are dominated by stretch fours and mobile big men, Holmes’ size is especially advantageous for both defensive versatility and offensive spacing.
The Philadelphia 76ers selected him with the 37th overall pick in 2015 after realizing his untapped potential. The league was changing; hybrid forwards who could defend guards and sink mid-range shots were replacing traditional back-to-the-basket centers. Holmes almost poetically matched that description. He had the presence he needed in the paint thanks to his 6’9″ frame, and his growing push shot proved to be an incredibly useful tool, particularly in pick-and-pop situations.
Holmes has played for the Suns, Kings, Mavericks, and most recently the Wizards over the years, but each stint improved his skill set. He set career highs in a number of categories during his time in Sacramento, and both fans and analysts praised his extremely effective shot selection and explosive rebounding. By re-signing him to a four-year, $55 million contract in 2021, the Kings demonstrated their faith in his potential and highlighted his worth in a league where size is no longer a deciding factor.
Holmes’ play is especially inventive because of his trademark push shot, which is frequently referred to as a contemporary development of the floater. This tool is rarely used by most players his size, but Holmes used it so frequently that it upset the traditional pick-and-roll defense. It is a very obvious choice in his offensive arsenal because of his height, which enables him to release the ball above defenders without requiring significant elevation.
Holmes used targeted development and strategic coaching to transform what some called a “tweener” build into a competitive advantage. Because of his height and exceptional timing and anticipation, he was able to accumulate over 1,000 career blocks, something that many centers taller than him were never able to do. His ability to “anchor a defense” without compromising mobility—a quality that is becoming more and more rare in contemporary rotations—was frequently mentioned by teammates.
His most recent stint with the Washington Wizards was short—he was waived in July 2025—but it reflects roster reorganization and cap strategy rather than a rejection of his skill. Holmes continued to be a subtly significant figure throughout his career. He eschewed theatrics in favor of letting his stats and consistency do the talking, unlike well-known athletes. His career path is similar to that of players like Paul Millsap or Taj Gibson: he is disciplined, steady, and extremely valuable in the correct system.
Holmes’ career path is proof of tenacity outside of the court. Particularly if they are not skilled shooters, players under seven feet frequently find it difficult to hold down positions at the five spot. But that’s exactly what Holmes did for a decade. In a league that rarely accepts mediocrity, his push shot, rebounding persistence, and rim protection were more than just abilities; they were survival strategies.
Fans have seen Holmes grow from a second-round pick to a dependable veteran presence since the beginning of his NBA career. His career over the last ten years has been influenced by both his adaptability and his 6’9″ height. Holmes has continuously changed his style of play to fit changing demands, from honing his defensive footwork to adding more offensive tools to his arsenal.
Holmes has demonstrated that he is a member of the group of versatile big men in a league where players like Draymond Green, Bam Adebayo, and Al Horford have redefined what height means at their positions. All of them, including Holmes, use height as a launching pad in addition to a measurement, striking a balance between physical attributes and strategic dexterity.
