In devastating news for the Denver Nuggets, forward-center DaRon Holmes II suffered an Achilles tear during his highly anticipated Las Vegas Summer League debut. The injury, confirmed by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, occurred as the young prospect was soaring around on defense, showcasing his athleticism and defensive prowess. At just 21 years old, Holmes, a junior prospect from Dayton, is now facing the prospect of missing the entire 2024-25 season as he embarks on the road to recovery.
The Nuggets had high hopes for Holmes when they made a draft night trade to acquire him as the No. 22 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The team sent the Phoenix Suns the No. 28 pick, Ryan Dunn, along with three second-round picks to secure the services of the promising Arizona native. There were even rumors circulating that Holmes had received a first-round draft promise from the Nuggets, a sign of the team’s belief in his potential and talent.
Standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing 236 pounds, Holmes took on the starting center role for the Nuggets in the Summer League, surprising many who expected him to be a backup big man. His shot-blocking ability and rim protection were highly valued during his time at Dayton, where he averaged an impressive 2.1 blocks per game. Now, with his injury sidelining him for the upcoming season, the Nuggets find themselves reevaluating their options in the frontcourt.
Despite re-signing veteran DeAndre Jordan, Holmes was seen as a fresher and more dynamic option than the aging center. Jordan, at almost 36 years old, has seen a decline in his physical abilities, limiting his impact on the court. Playing behind Nikola Jokic, a perennial MVP candidate, Jordan’s minutes were already limited in the previous season. With Holmes out of the lineup, the Nuggets will need to consider their frontcourt rotation carefully to make up for his absence.
The loss of Holmes for the entire season is a tough blow for the Nuggets, but they will look to rally around their young prospect as he works his way back from injury. The road to recovery may be long and challenging, but Holmes’ determination and talent will undoubtedly help him come back stronger than ever. In the meantime, Denver will need to adjust their plans and find ways to fill the void left by the promising forward-center.
