What happened to DaRon Holmes II? Latest injury update for Nuggets rookie (July 12)
The Denver Nuggets sent three second-round picks to the Phoenix Suns on draft night for the right to take DaRon Holmes II. Nuggets GM Calvin Booth raved about his “high IQ” in basketball and somebody who could be “plug-and-play” for the team next season. Booth and Nuggets fans were hyped to see his debut in the Summer League against the LA Clippers.
Holmes, however, suffered an injury late in the game. He had 11 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one block in 26 minutes before he was taken off the court. The Nuggets bench couldn’t hide their disappointment and concern following the incident.
After the game, NBA insider Shams Charania reported on X, formerly Twitter, the latest on DaRon Holmes II:
“Denver Nuggets No. 22 overall pick DaRon Holmes II has suffered a torn right Achilles tendon, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. He’s expected to miss the 2024-25 season. Devastating blow for one of the Nuggets’ promising young pieces.”
The injury to the former Dayton star could be crucial to the Nuggets next season. Denver’s frontline badly needs help, with only De’Andre Jordan playing behind Nikola Jokic. Booth was hoping Holmes could be “plug-and-play” with or without “The Joker” in the front court.
The Nuggets can’t do anything with the injury. They can only hope that he returns next season better than ever. Booth and coach Mike Malone will rely more on Zeke Nnaji, Vlatko Cancar and the newly acquired Dario Saric to provide frontcourt help.
DaRon Holmes II showed plenty of promise in his lone Summer League game
The Denver Nuggets wanted to see how their first-round pick would fare against some NBA-level talent. He didn’t see consistent elite competition in college so scouts wondered if his superb showing in Dayton would translate well in the pros.
In his first time wearing the Nuggets uniform, Holmes had a solid game before the unfortunate injury cut his night short. He showed the promise that made Calvin Booth trade assets to go up in the draft.
DaRon Holmes II’s defense and rebounding were expected to be good. He was the A-10 Defensive Player of the Year winner during his final year in college. The 6-foot-10 forward made his presence felt on both ends of the court with his size, wingspan and athleticism.
What should have excited the Nuggets was his ability to hit shots from behind the arc. Holmes shot 38.6% in his last season with the Flyers and showed he can carry it to the next level. He went 3-for-3 from deep against the LA Clippers.
A big man who relishes playing defense and who can spread the floor is a big loss for the Nuggets. The potential to develop and improve for next season will be tantalizing and will blunt the impact of the injury.