DaRon Holmes II, the Denver Nuggets’ first-round pick, has suffered a devastating setback. Holmes tore his Achilles tendon during his NBA Summer League debut, as reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania. This injury is expected to sideline Holmes for the entire 2024-25 season, a significant blow for both the player and the team.
Promising Start Cut Short
Holmes was showing promise in his debut, scoring 11 points and grabbing seven rebounds in 26 minutes of action. However, in the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Nuggets’ hopes for their top rookie were abruptly dashed. This injury not only impacts Holmes’ rookie season but also the Nuggets’ plans for their front-court rotation.
The High Cost of Acquisition
The Nuggets went to considerable lengths to secure Holmes, trading three second-round picks to move up in the draft to select him at No. 22 overall. Denver, having depleted much of their draft capital to construct their current roster, viewed Holmes as a critical addition. He was expected to contribute significantly as a front-court reserve and potentially develop into a reliable backup center behind three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
Nuggets’ first-round pick DaRon Holmes II tears Achilles in NBA Summer League debut, per report https://t.co/b8TaK9cXxl
— CBS Sports NBA (@CBSSportsNBA) July 13, 2024
Filling the Gap
With Holmes sidelined, the Nuggets will rely on mid-level signing Dario Saric to fill the backup center role. This position has been a persistent issue for Denver, further compounded by former first-round pick Zeke Nnaji’s struggles to develop, even after receiving a rookie extension last offseason. Holmes’ injury only exacerbates this challenge, leaving the Nuggets searching for solutions.
The Road to Recovery
A torn Achilles is one of the most severe injuries in basketball, often requiring at least a year of recovery and potentially affecting a player’s athleticism for years to come. While recent examples like Kevin Durant’s return to form offer some hope, the path ahead for Holmes is undeniably difficult. Durant, a seasoned superstar, faced the injury at a different stage in his career compared to Holmes, who was just starting his professional journey.
Future Prospects
Despite the grim immediate outlook, Holmes’ long-term potential remains. The Nuggets will need to support him through a challenging recovery process, hoping he can eventually fulfill the role they envisioned when they drafted him. For now, Denver must navigate the upcoming season without their top rookie, adapting their strategies to compensate for his absence.
Impact on Denver’s Season
The loss of Holmes is a significant setback for the Nuggets, who already faced the departure of starting shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency. This injury further strains their roster depth, particularly in the front court. Denver’s ability to adapt and find alternative solutions will be crucial as they aim to remain competitive in the upcoming season.
Holmes’ injury underscores the unpredictable nature of sports and the physical toll it can take on athletes. As he embarks on a rigorous recovery journey, the Nuggets and their fans will be eagerly anticipating his return, hoping he can eventually overcome this challenge and make a significant impact on the team.