Holmes focused on Kings season, not upcoming free agency

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The 2020-21 NBA season is flying by. We’re already 28 games into a 72 game schedule and it won’t be long before the Kings are back in roster assessment mode.

One of the bigger decisions the Kings have to make this summer is what to do with center Richaun Holmes. The former Bowling Green star has been a revelation for the Kings over the last seasons and a half and he’s a player that has already said that he would love to come back for another tour of duty when his contract expires after the season.

During a recent taping of the Hoops Hype podcast with Michael Scotto, Holmes opened up about his prospects in free agency.

“It’s going to be interesting,” Holmes said. “I’m focused just kinda on the season, it’s hard for me to think beyond the next game, especially in season, but the business side is the business side and everything is going to be taken care of on that side after the season’s done.”

During his two seasons in Sacramento, Holmes has provided a spark on both ends of the floor. He’s excellent in the pick-and-roll and he currently leads the league in field goal percentage at 64.8 percent. He’s mastered the push shot, which he can extend all the way out to about 15 feet.

On the defensive end, Holmes brings energy and is averaging a career-best 1.6 blocks per game. He’s perfect for the Kings’ up-tempo style and while he is slightly undersized, Holmes makes up for it with hustle and effort.

RELATED: Bjelica, Jeffries earn longer look in Kings' loss to Heat

“I just want to show that I’m one of the best two-way centers in the league, for sure, and I just continue to showcase that and continue to put the NBA on notice,” Holmes told Scotto.

What is Holmes looking for in free agency? Well, for starters, a likely pay increase and some long-term stability for himself and the people around him.

“I’ve been putting in work in the NBA for six years now -- doing a lot, doing everything I can,” Holmes said. “I just want to be in a position to take care of my family, put my family in the best position. That means a lot to me.”

Holmes is finishing up a two-year, $10 million contract with the Kings. At 27-years-old, he is also looking to make the playoffs and potentially more.

“I want to be in a position to compete, I want to win championships at some point in my career, so that’s something that’s in my mindset as well,” Holmes said.

RELATED: Bjelica, Jeffries earn longer look in Kings' loss to Heat

An instant fan favorite in Sacramento, Holmes has carved out a niche with the Kings. He’s an efficient player that coach Luke Walton relies heavily on to anchor defense.

Under the previous management, the Kings aggressively chased Holmes during the summer of 2019 and while they may have a leg up on the competition, they’ll also need to be ready to reward with a handsome pay raise.

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