Richaun Holmes
A high-flying NBA journeyman whose shot-blocking energy and relentless hustle made him a fan favorite on multiple teams.
Born 1993 (age 33)·American basketball player·Birthday: October 15·Millennials
Biography
Born in Lockport, Illinois, Richaun Holmes's path to the NBA was anything but straightforward. He began his college career at Moraine Valley Community College before transferring to Bowling Green, where he transformed into a dominant force in the Mid-American Conference. His combination of explosive athleticism, shot-blocking timing, and a surprising touch around the rim caught the eye of NBA scouts. Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2015, Holmes quickly became a highlight-reel staple with his thunderous dunks and emphatic rejections. His professional journey has been defined by adaptability, contributing meaningful minutes for the Suns, Kings, Mavericks, and Wizards with a consistent blue-collar work ethic. Beyond the stats, Holmes is remembered for the palpable joy and effort he brought to the court every night, embodying the spirit of a player who maximized every ounce of his talent.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Richaun was born in 1993, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Richaun Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Richaun's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named to the All-Mid-American Conference Second Team in 2015 after averaging 14.7 points and 8.0 rebounds per game at Bowling Green.
- Recorded a career-high 8 blocks in a single game for the Philadelphia 76ers against the Brooklyn Nets in 2017.
- Averaged a career-best 14.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game during the 2020-21 season with the Sacramento Kings.
Did You Know?
He wore jersey number 22 for much of his NBA career as a tribute to his mother, who passed away when he was 9; her birthday was October 22.
Holmes is an avid chess player and has spoken about using the game's strategy to improve his basketball IQ.
Before focusing on basketball, he was a standout track and field athlete in high school, competing in the high jump.
“I had to take the long road, but I always knew I belonged here.”
