There was a lot of optimism around DaRon Holmes II when the Nuggets drafted him last year, but that was quickly put on the back burner when he promptly tore his achilles in his summer league debut. But now, one year later, Holmes is finally healthy, and that optimism has ramped back up in Denver.
Holmes dominated summer league this time around, looking fully healthy and comfortable out there. He was shut down after three games, essentially because he looked too good to be playing in Vegas.
A Nuggets coach told Keith Smith of Spotrac, “Rotation guy from Day 1. He would have been one last year if he hadn’t gotten hurt. DaRon is a beast. You saw it here (Las Vegas). He can shoot, he can take opposing bigs off the bounce, he’s got a good passing eye. Defensively, he’s ready to contribute, too. Start the Rookie of the Year campaign! (laughed) He’s eligible, right?”
The laughing indicates the somewhat playful nature of this conversation, and the Rookie of the Year trope seems to have been good-natured fun. But still, it’s pretty clear that the Nuggets are high on Holmes and very confident that he can step in and help the team immediately.
Holmes for Rookie of the Year?
Since he didn’t play at all last season, Holmes is technically eligible for the Rookie of the Year Award, but the chances of him putting up the stats to be considered are a long shot. Still, he may have the biggest opportunity to contribute to winning out of any rookie in the league.
Denver can utilize Holmes at the four or five and should be able to get creative with his minutes, playing him alongside either Nikola Jokic or Jonas Valanciunas, or letting him play stretch-five in small-ball units.
The Nuggets had none of this versatility the past few years, but thanks, largely to Holmes, the coaching staff now has endless options to toy with. His Swiss Army Knife abilities present unlimited optiosn for how the Denver frontcourt can look this season and it has to be very exciting, not just for the coaches, but for the players.
Jokic can play however he wants to now, and that’s an exciting thought. He’ll have a young, athletic big man who can play inside and out. If Jokic wants to run the show up top, Holmes can post up or set screens. If Jokic wants to work on the block, Holmes can operate from the high post or space the floor with his shooting.
There are many new things in Denver to be excited about this season, but the rookie Holmes, and his unique skillset, may be the most exciting one of all.