Absolutely heartbreaking news came from Las Vegas on Friday night following the Denver Nuggets Summer League opener.
Big man DaRon Holmes II suffered a ruptured achilles tendon in the fourth quarter of Denver’s 88-78 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania:
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. pic.twitter.com/05iQQEAZYV
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 13, 2024
Holmes was battling for a rebound under the rim late in the game, leaping up for a contested rebound and coming down awkwardly on his left foot. Holmes immediately went to the floor and exited the game. The Nuggets training staff checked his achilles immediately, and it was quickly determined that the worst had occurred.
Once again, this is a heartbreaking moment. Holmes was selected 22nd overall in the 2024 NBA Draft after the Nuggets traded up to take him. They believe in his talent, and Holmes was having a strong debut, notching 11 points and seven rebounds while hitting his 3-pointers. Everything was looking up for the Nuggets rookie right up until that gut-wrenching moment.
Holmes will be sidelined as he and the Nuggets look to take the next steps. He will likely undergo surgery that will sideline him for the next calendar year as he works toward injury recovery.
This is a difficult blow for the Nuggets as a team, and there will be time to discuss all of the ramifications for the organization. Right now is about DaRon and his family though. Here’s to his support system and the Nuggets giving him everything he needs to make a full recovery. Holmes is young and a hard worker. This is an obstacle no one should have to endure, but it’s up to him to find a way past it.
Nuggets Nation is surely praying for DaRon and his family after this news.
