4 reasons why Richaun Holmes is not a long-term option for Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks have a very short window if they want to compete for an NBA Title with Luka Doncic.

They have three seasons before he becomes a free agent (if he opts out) and could leave the Mavericks if they haven't won a title by then. With that short window, Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban and General Manager Nico Harrison are looking for veterans who can help the Mavericks win that title.

During the NBA Draft this year, the Mavericks were able to pick up one of those veterans in a trade. When the Mavericks traded back into the first round to select Olivier-Maxence Prosper, they also picked up veteran center Richaun Holmes.

One of the reasons why the Mavericks were able to get him could have been due to him not fitting in with the Sacramento Kings' offensive game plan. That plays to the Mavericks' advantage because they have been looking for a true center for quite some time.

At the age of 29, Holmes is entering the downside of his career as he is entering his thirties. When a center enters his thirties, a lot of teams look at younger options before looking at veterans. Let's take a look at the four reasons why Richaun Holmes is not a long-term option for the Mavericks.

4. Dereck Lively II is possibly the future center of the Mavericks

There is a reason why the Mavericks drafted Dereck Lively II with the 12th pick in the NBA Draft this past year. When you are 7-foot-1 and have comparisons to former Mavs center Tyson Chandler, you will get Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban's attention.

At the age of 19, Lively is going to need some time developing down in Frisco with the Texas Legends this season. It would be beneficial for him to play in Frisco to get minutes instead of sitting on the bench for the Mavs. With Holmes more than likely here for the next two seasons, he would be the perfect player to play center while Lively II develops.

3. Holmes could be out of his prime soon

This isn't meant to be a knock on Holmes, but he is almost at the end of his prime.

The average career of an NBA center is 7-10 seasons. Right now, Holmes is entering his ninth season of his career. He probably only has a few more years of being a productive NBA center.

I'm glad that the Mavs were able to grab him in the Olivier-Maxence Prosper trade. He can be a very productive player while Lively II is developing. If somehow Holmes runs out of productivity while still playing for the Mavericks, they can trade him or possibly release him.

2. His eye injury

I hate to bring up someone's injury past, but this does need to be mentioned in this article.

Now I know this happened two seasons ago, but it might affect how aggressive Holmes is at the rim. Two seasons ago, Holmes had to have eye surgery to repair a laceration to his right eye. Now you are probably asking why that could be an issue when it's been resolved.

I'm concerned that if he gets severely poked in the eye, it could affect his vision, and possibly cause him to be out for the majority of the season. He did have to wear goggles when he returned to the court.

With the Mavericks possibly needing him to be the starting center, they can't afford him to get injured.

1. Someone else could come along in free agency

You never know what could happen when it comes to NBA free agency. Sometimes, players need a new change of scenery and might request to be traded or decide to sign with another team. A better and younger option at the center position could become available, and the Mavericks might move in that direction.

It's not taking a shot at Holmes because of his age, but if the Mavericks want to win a title, they are going to need a center that can play for long periods of time. I think in a couple of seasons, Holmes won't be able to do that, and they might be forced to trade him after locking up a younger option.

In conclusion, fans should be happy that the Mavericks got Holmes for a short-term option. He averaged over 14 points per game back in the 2020-21 season and could have just needed a change of scenery. Holmes can still provide valuable minutes as a veteran and can be a great mentor to Lively II. Mark Cuban even called the move to get him "the most underrated pickup of the summer."

Once Lively II is ready to be a full-time starting center, the Mavericks will more than likely move on from Holmes. But for a short-time rental, Holmes is the type of player that the Mavericks need if they want to make a championship run in such a short window.