The Denver Nuggets are moving closer to one of the most anticipated seasons in franchise history.
Let’s continue our three-week series in advance of Media Day on September 29th. With 14 players on the roster and a new mix of players to discuss, it’s important to remember who the Nuggets have, who they don’t have, and what to expect heading into October.
Up next, a check-in on DaRon Holmes II.
Nobody knew that the 2024-25 season would be so cursed, but perhaps Denver Nuggets fans should have known early on.
When DaRon Holmes II tore his Achilles tendon in the first game of Summer League in July of 2024, that ruled him out for playing during the 2024-25 season. It was a heartbreaking moment, one that significantly altered Denver’s bench lineups and applied even more pressure to a thin frontcourt reserve.
Fortunately, Holmes was able to return to action in time for Summer League of 2025, and he showed many of the traits the Nuggets were initially excited about. His basketball IQ showed through on both ends of the floor. His defensive instincts were good, especially on perimeter switches. His outside shot making manifested in a small sample size (8-of-19 from three-point range in four games).
While there were some factors that needed to see improvement (conditioning level, defensive playmaking, interior strength around the rim) it was most important to see Holmes on the floor. It was a great next step in his road to the NBA, and it gave plenty of confidence to the Nuggets and Nuggets fans in Holmes’ long term trajectory.
Of course, the Nuggets have high expectations in 2025-26. They’re championship ready, and extended minutes for Holmes’ development are unlikely to occur immediately. Though he will have opportunities to prove himself, the Nuggets may be slow to trust him to execute certain assignments, make the right play at the right time, and battle opposing elite teams. It’s the plight of every young player hoping to crack a veteran rotation.
Holmes isn’t a true rookie though. He played three college seasons at Dayton and spent a full season on the Nuggets bench. He’s had an opportunity to learn from players like Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon, and other veterans on life in the NBA. If he’s going to carve out a role immediately, the Nuggets will need to trust him. That Holmes has been around for a while now gives some credence to the idea that he can play right away.
In order to play though, he has a tough rotation to crack. Beyond the Nuggets starters, I expect Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., Julian Strawther, Peyton Watson, and Jonas Valanciunas to all see minutes off the bench. In addition, any injuries to the top 10 in Denver’s rotation could see older players like Zeke Nnaji, Jalen Pickett, and Hunter Tyson leapfrog Holmes in the pecking order.
It will be a battle for Holmes to see the floor, and the Nuggets should challenge him to become the best version of himself before trusting him with too much time. That being said, it shouldn’t be impossible for Holmes to get out there. The Nuggets traded up to select him in the 2024 NBA Draft. After already missing a season, it’s imperative that the Nuggets figure out what he’s capable of.
That doesn’t mean immediately giving him 20 minutes per game on Opening Night, but it would behoove the Nuggets to identify moments in the schedule when Holmes could best be utilized. Five to 10 minutes on October 29th against Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans makes sense. So does Saturday, November 8th vs the Indiana Pacers and Pascal Siakam. Quick opportunities early in the season can build toward an every night role if Holmes takes advantage and does what the Nuggets ask him to do.
Overall, Holmes shouldn’t be expected to fill a significant role immediately, but his skill set as an athletic big man with three-level scoring capability and defensive versatility is something the Nuggets might need in the playoffs. It might not be this year. It might not be next year. Holmes could change that sentiment quickly though, and it would be great for the Nuggets if he did.