Grade the pick: Nuggets draft DaRon Holmes II, bolster frontcourt beyond Jokic

After much hullabaloo and all kinds of smoke screens around DaRon Holmes II to the Nuggets, it all came to fruition on Wednesday night. The Nuggets had to trade up to make it happen, but ultimately they got their guy, someone they’ve seemingly been targeting for weeks.

The rumors about Holmes to Denver have been loud and the match seemed as close to a consensus opinion as just about anything in this chaotic NBA draft. Reports had indicated that Holmes wouldn’t be on the board by the time Denver was on the clock at 28th, but they obviously wanted him badly enough to move up and select him at 22nd overall.

What are the Nuggets getting in Holmes?

The Nuggets are adding a 6’10” versatile big man with some muscle, physicality, and athleticism who made first team all Atlantic-10 at Dayton three seasons in a row. Holmes may be slightly undersized for an NBA center, but he should be able to compensate in other areas.

He’s got a great motor and likes to get out in transition and his athletic abilities allow him to contest shots at the rim on defense and finish above the rim on offense. He should be a great lob threat and someone who can develop a great screen and roll game with ballhandlers.

He also has become a very good shooter and handler; he’ll be able to hold his own on the perimeter and can pop for some three-pointers as well. The sky is the limit for Holmes and he can do a little bit of everything on both ends.

How will Holmes fit on the Nuggets?

Beyond that, the fit with the Nuggets couldn’t be more perfect. Holmes can play alongside either starter in the Denver frontcourt; he’ll be able to play a true center role, backing up Nikola Jokic, anchoring the defense, and acting as a primary screener and a playmaking hub on the short roll next to Aaron Gordon.

But he’ll also be able to play power forward with Jokic on the floor. He can hold his own enough on the perimeter to space the floor and he can also play the Gordon role in the dunker spot, finishing lobs from Jokic while also taking some defensive responsibilities away from the reigning MVP.

Rarely do you see a team picking so late in the draft telegraph their pick so clearly, but there was good reason for it. The Nuggets wanted Holmes badly and they went out and got their guy. This is an absolute home run pick for Denver and somebody who should be able to help the team in the present and the future.