Jun 26, 2024; Brooklyn, NY, USA; DaRon Holmes II poses for photos with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected in the first round by the Phoenix Suns in the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Nuggets forward DaRon Holmes, the No. 22 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, tore his right Achilles and is likely to miss his entire rookie season, multiple outlets reported Saturday.
The injury occurred Friday night in Las Vegas in the Nuggets’ summer league opener, an 88-78 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Dayton product had 11 points and seven rebounds in 26 minutes.
The 6-foot-10 Holmes was selected by the Phoenix Suns and dealt on draft night to the Nuggets for No. 28 pick Ryan Dunn, the No. 56 pick in the 2024 Draft and second-round picks in 2026 and 2031.
Holmes started all 33 games for Dayton as a junior in 2023-24 and averaged 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.
The 2024 NBA Draft saw promising young talent like DaRon Holmes II being selected by the Phoenix Suns and subsequently traded to the Denver Nuggets. However, the excitement surrounding Holmes’ entry into the league took a somber turn when he suffered a devastating injury in the summer league opener.
It was reported that Holmes tore his right Achilles tendon, a serious injury that typically requires a lengthy recovery period. As a result, the talented forward is expected to miss his entire rookie season, dealing a significant blow to both Holmes and the Nuggets.
The injury occurred during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers in Las Vegas, where Holmes managed to contribute with 11 points and seven rebounds in just 26 minutes of play. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Nuggets, who had high hopes for the young player’s potential impact on the team.
Despite the setback, Holmes’ journey to the NBA has been marked by impressive performances at Dayton, where he showcased his scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and playmaking skills. As a junior, he played in all 33 games and averaged an impressive 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.
The Nuggets will now have to adjust their plans for the upcoming season without Holmes in the lineup. It remains to be seen how they will fill the void left by his absence and how Holmes will recover from this setback to continue pursuing his NBA dreams.
