The Denver Nuggets are the only team without a pick in this month's draft, but that isn't a major concern. They technically have a rookie on the roster already since DaRon Holmes II missed the entirety of the 2024-25 season after tearing his Achilles in the fourth quarter of his first Summer League game.
Denver zeroed in on Holmes during the pre-draft process and traded up for him in the first round, selecting the big man out of Dayton with the No. 22 pick. Holmes was set to make an immediate impact as a rotation player, either at the four or at center in small-ball lineups. Unfortunately, his injury derailed those plans for the season, but he'll be ready for 2025-26.
Rather than trade into the draft for a first-round pick, the Nuggets have Holmes. One of the main issues that Denver needs to address this offseason is depth, which will be challenging due to a lack of draft assets and financial constraints. There is more pressure than ever to nail draft picks, giving the Nuggets something to look forward to in Holmes.
Nuggets don't have a draft pick, but they have DaRon Holmes II
Trading up for Holmes was Calvin Booth's decision. The disconnect between Booth and Michael Malone is part of what led to both of their demises. The Nuggets still haven't named a new general manager after Ben Tenzer served as interim GM to the end of the season.
Booth won't be in Denver to see it, but perhaps Holmes will turn out to be his final "gift" to the team. The former GM envisioned Holmes one day being a starting power forward in the NBA, something that could come true down the road. For now, the Nuggets will benefit from having his versatility as part of the second unit.
As unfortunate as it was that Holmes didn't suit up for Denver this past season, he still learned a lot from the sidelines. He spun his injury, viewing it as an advantage that he got to take everything in for a year before hitting the court. He also has an advantage that other rookies don't -- getting to learn from the best player in the world, Nikola Jokic.
Holmes is expected to play in Summer League again in July. Hopefully, he won't run into any roadblocks throughout the offseason and will be ready for his first full season when it begins in October.