The Nuggets finally got the performance they’ve been waiting for from DaRon Holmes II, who put it all together on Thursday night, lifting Denver to its first win of the summer. Holmes put up 19 points, 17 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals and was a +10 in his 30 minutes while the Nuggets topped the Clippers 81-76.
He has had a fine summer already, but in this game, he showcased all of his skills with a notable extra level of aggression. He was attacking the basket relentlessly, putting the ball on the floor and running the offense, and putting his feel for the game on full display, dishing out several nice passes for good looks.
Holmes was also a monster on the glass, dragging down everything in sight and adding 4 rebounds on the offensive end alone. He looked like a man amongst boys out there, which is exactly what the team wanted and needed to see from the young big man.
Holmes seeing first game action since injury
This has already been a loud offseason for the Nuggets, but there wasn’t much hype around their summer league team. The lone exception was Holmes, who was drafted 22nd overall last year, but tore his achilles during his very first game of summer league.
He underwent surgery and rehabbed, and recovered all year, making his debut at this year’s summer league. He has looked solid in every game, but this was clearly his best showing. He looks healthy, comfortable, and extremely confident out there. Hopefully, he’s ready to put the injury in the rearview and make an impact on NBA courts this season.
Holmes has major opportunity with Nuggets this season
If Holmes is up to the task, there’s a big opportunity for him in the Denver frontcourt this season. Nikola Jokic needs much more rest than he’s been getting in past seasons. The Jonas Valanciunas situation still seems a bit up in the air, but even if he comes to Denver, he’s an older player and fairly one-dimensional.
Holmes can provide a different look. A younger player with major athletic upside and an ability to play on the perimeter and knock down three-pointers. The Nuggets don’t currently have another big man with this skillset, and if he’s able to give them legitimate minutes on a nightly basis, that would add yet another layer of depth and another weapon to an already loaded roster.