DaRon Holmes is set to make his return to the court after a year-long recovery from a torn Achilles, and the Denver Nuggets rookie says he’s “100% healthy” heading into the 2025 NBA Summer League.
The 22nd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, who was traded from Phoenix to Denver on draft night, signed with the Nuggets on July 9 last year before suffering the injury just days later in his Summer League debut.
“I trusted the process, and now I’m 100% healthy,” Holmes said during a media session before the Nuggets’ Summer League opener. “It’s all up to [the training staff] now on when they feel it’s most comfortable for me to get out there and play.”
Holmes spent the past season rehabbing with the Nuggets while observing the team’s playoff run from the sideline.
Now, the former Dayton standout is preparing to contribute on the floor and regain his rhythm after a year away from competitive action.
“You have to start over from square one,” Holmes said. “You have to learn how to walk again and run and play. But I had a great environment around me last year.”
The 6-foot-10 forward-center averaged 17.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks over three collegiate seasons at Dayton, including a career-best 20.4 points per game in 2023–24 while shooting 38.6% from three.
Asked about areas of improvement during his recovery, Holmes pointed to strength gains and confidence in his shot.
“I feel like I’ve gained some weight, gained some muscle, and I just feel more confident in what I do now,” he said. “My passing game I think has gotten a lot better.”
Holmes also noted the benefit of working closely with former NBA veteran Darrell Arthur, now part of Denver’s development staff, who also tore his Achilles during his playing career.
“He shows me little things I might not see while I’m out there, and I can go back and fix and correct when I’m on the court,” Holmes said.
Despite the physical and mental hurdles, Holmes remains focused on competing.
“Anywhere they put me, I’ll be comfortable playing,” he said when asked about switching between the four and five positions.
As for revisiting the site of last year’s injury — Las Vegas — Holmes is keeping his focus forward.
“It was a tragic event that happened last year, but you can only look for the best to come in the future.”
