July 13th 2024.
Las Vegas - The first game of the Summer League for Nuggets rookie DaRon Holmes II took a turn for the worst on Friday night. According to a league source, Holmes tore his right Achilles tendon during the fourth quarter and is expected to miss the entire 2024-25 season. Despite the unfortunate injury, Holmes was able to put up 11 points and seven rebounds in his debut game against the Clippers, even making all three of his 3-point attempts.
Holmes, who was selected 22nd overall by the Nuggets after trading up six spots in the NBA Draft, was seen leaving the game on crutches with barely any weight on his right leg. It was a devastating sight for the team, as they had high hopes for the young player to provide key frontcourt depth behind their star player Nikola Jokic. The injury occurred during an awkward landing with about 4:15 remaining in the game, and Holmes was able to limp off the court without assistance.
The team's head coach, Michael Malone, who was not actively coaching the Summer League team this weekend but was overseeing the game, was called over to check on Holmes before the final buzzer. His teammates also approached him to offer words of comfort after shaking hands with the Clippers and leaving the court. Hunter Tyson and Julian Strawther both shared their well wishes for Holmes, praising his positive energy and hoping for a speedy recovery.
Holmes' parents and agent were also in attendance for his debut game, which had been going well until the unfortunate injury. The team's Summer League coach, Andrew Munson, noted the impact of Holmes' absence in the last few minutes of the game, as the Clippers were able to score 11 second-chance points.
At Dayton, Holmes had an impressive average of 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in his final year of college basketball. He was also named Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. The Nuggets' general manager, Calvin Booth, spoke highly of Holmes' abilities and readiness for high-pressure NBA games.
Without the rookie, the Nuggets' frontcourt will have to adjust without his versatility and skills. However, the team does have newcomer Dario Saric and Vlatko Cancar returning from injury, as well as Zeke Nnaji entering his second year in the league. The Nuggets will have to move forward without Holmes, but they have confidence in their roster and are ready to face any challenges that come their way.
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