David Adelman turned to DaRon Holmes II as the Denver Nuggets’ third center during a critical matchup in Toronto. With key players sidelined, Holmes stepped up to fill the void and provided valuable minutes despite his relative inexperience in the NBA rotation.
The Nuggets were forced to adjust when backup center Jonas Valanciunas suffered a calf strain late in the third quarter. This injury extended Holmes’ playing time unexpectedly, as he logged 21 minutes in the game, including nine crucial minutes in the final quarter. Head coach Adelman praised Holmes for his resilience and focus despite the physical challenges he faced on the court.
Holmes, drafted 22nd overall but recovering from a prior Achilles injury, delivered a performance marked by both effort and promise. He scored 11 points on 4-for-5 shooting and contributed key defensive plays, including blocking a shot and guarding Toronto’s standout Scottie Barnes. Rather than showing frustration after being out-rebounded on a few occasions, Holmes maintained his composure and stayed engaged throughout the contest.
Coach Adelman highlighted Holmes’ ability to adapt during the game and his ongoing learning curve against NBA-caliber wing players. He noted, “He knows how to manipulate screens and can always pick-and-pop effectively. With time, Holmes will become even more impactful as he gains experience and familiarity with the game’s pace.”
Prior to this, Holmes spent most of the season in the G League, averaging 20.9 points and 7.6 rebounds with the Nuggets’ affiliate in Grand Rapids. The developmental stint helped him build the conditioning and confidence required at the NBA level. Holmes credited his G League coach, Ryan Bowen, for holding him accountable on effort and fundamentals, which translated well when called upon in Denver’s lineup.
The Nuggets face a unique challenge with multiple starters sidelined, including Nikola Jokic and Valanciunas. Adelman acknowledged the need for strategic creativity, experimenting with small-ball lineups or moving players like Zeke Nnaji between positions. Holmes’ versatility as a power forward or center gives the team additional flexibility in managing these absences.
Jamal Murray voiced confidence in Holmes’ potential after witnessing his performance: “He’s only going to get better with time and experience. Once he slows down and gets comfortable, he’ll be a tough player to guard.” The young center’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor solidifies his role as a valuable piece in the Nuggets’ rotation moving forward.
As the Nuggets navigate the remainder of the season without key personnel, Holmes’ emergence as a reliable third-string center is a critical factor. His willingness to play through adversity and impact the game in multiple facets bodes well for Denver’s depth and competitive prospects in challenging matchups.
Read more at: www.denverpost.com
