Denver Nuggets rookie DaRon Holmes II suffers season-ending Achilles tendon injury in NBA Summer League debut

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Denver Nuggets' No. 22 overall pick, DaRon Holmes II, suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during an NBA Summer League game against the Los Angeles Clippers. The injury occurred in the second half of the game, where Holmes II managed to score 11 points and grab seven rebounds in 26 minutes of play. This unfortunate incident is expected to sideline him for the entire 2024-25 season, dealing a significant blow to the Nuggets' roster and their young talent pool. Holmes II, who was acquired by the Nuggets from the Phoenix Suns in a draft-day trade involving multiple picks, had shown promise as a player with a successful college career at Dayton. During his time at Dayton, he started in all 102 appearances for the Flyers and put up impressive stats, averaging 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 0.9 steals per game in his final year as a junior. His absence due to the injury will undoubtedly be felt by the team as they navigate the upcoming season without one of their key prospects. The news of Holmes II's season-ending injury was first reported by The Athletic and has since been confirmed by various media outlets. The 6-foot-10 center-forward's performance in the Summer League opener showcased his potential before the unfortunate incident occurred. Fans and teammates alike are now left to ponder the impact of his absence on the Nuggets' lineup and future prospects in the competitive NBA landscape. As the basketball community processes this setback, the focus shifts to Holmes II's road to recovery and the support he will receive from the Nuggets organization. The loss of a promising young talent like Holmes II serves as a reminder of the physical demands and risks that come with pursuing a career in professional sports, highlighting the fragility of success in the competitive world of basketball.