As the Denver Nuggets seek to get the best out of backup center Jonas Valanciunas in 2024-25, they must not forget about returning big DaRon Holmes II. Holmes represents a bright future for a second unit in need of long-term building blocks.
A 3-and-D big who was robbed of his rookie season by a torn right Achilles tendon during the 2024 Summer League, Holmes must factor into the Nuggets' plans in 2025-26.
Denver added Holmes in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft. The intention was clear: Provide three-time MVP center Nikola Jokic with an ideal backup who has the skill set to not only offer relief, but play spot minutes alongside him.
Following a 2023-24 campaign during which Holmes earned Atlantic 10 co-Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors, there was ample reason to believe he could provide exactly that.
Unfortunately, Holmes never played a game for the Nuggets in 2024-25 and has instead spent the past 14 months recovering from a devastating Achilles tear. It remains unclear what he can offer in the NBA, particularly after suffering what has been a career-altering injury for so many before him.
What's unavoidable, however, is that Holmes is a talented 3-and-D big who appears to fit the modern game—and should thus be made a priority by the player development team.
DaRon Holmes II can be Nuggets' long-term backup center
Holmes measured at 6'8.75" and 236 pounds with a 7'1" wingspan at the 2024 NBA Draft combine. Those measurements are truthfully more ideal for a power forward, but Holmes has the skill level and attributes to thrive at the 5.
That includes the fact that Holmes can space the floor, protect the paint, and even create in space at an adequate level—once again assuming he can get back to 100 percent.
Holmes finished the 2023-24 college basketball season with averages of 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.7 offensive boards, 2.6 assists, 2.1 blocks, 0.9 steals, and 1.0 three-point field goals made per game. In addition to stuffing the stat sheet, he mainteined elite efficiency at a clip of .544/.386/.713.
It was a compelling development considering he'd previously been more interior-based, with only 19 three-point field goal attempts and an average of 2.9 offensive boards per game in 2022-23.
That's an equally as intriguing truth to consider, as it shows how adaptable Holmes is to what's asked of him. He can play physically inside and create second chances, knock down jumpers with efficiency, and create for his teammates.
Even if Holmes has lost some of his athleticism, those abilities should enable him to step in for Jokic and help the second unit avoid squandering leads.
It will likely take time for that to materialize, particularly with Valanciunas penciled in as the backup. Given the offseason chaos surrounding the acquisition of Valanciunas and his desire to leave the NBA, however, it's fair for Denver to view Holmes as a source of potentially vital depth.
Whether or not he plays major minutes in 2025-26, the Nuggets must ensure that Holmes is given the opportunity to tap into his potential.