Dayton ahead DaRon Holmes II (15) dunks in opposition to Nevada through the second half of a first-round school basketball recreation within the NCAA Match in Salt Lake Metropolis, Thursday, March 21, 2024. (AP Picture/Isaac Hale)
The Nuggets moved up six spots to get their man on Wednesday, deciding on Dayton huge man DaRon Holmes II with the twenty second general decide within the NBA draft.
Denver was long-rumored to be the touchdown spot for the 6-foot-9, 236-pound Holmes, who averaged 20.4 factors, 8.5 rebounds and a couple of.6 assists final season for the Flyers.
Right here’s a have a look at how nationwide media analysts graded the Nuggets’ decide:
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley (Grade: B): “The Nuggets arguably have the planet’s finest participant in three-time MVP Nikola Jokić. Now, the large fella would possibly lastly have a professional backup behind him.
“That’s rather a lot to ask of an incoming rookie, however DaRon Holmes II appears to be like attractive on paper. A lot in order that the Nuggets parted with two picks on this draft (Nos. 28 and 56) and two future second-round picks to get this choice from the Phoenix Suns, per Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic.
“If Holmes’ uptick in capturing is actual–he shot 38.6 p.c from three this season however solely 26.9 p.c over the prior two—then he could possibly be a improbable screening companion for Denver’s guards. He can put the ball on the ground, end on the basket, feed open teammates and come out to the perimeter.
“The Nuggets wanted to depart this spherical with a succesful backup huge, they usually have been sensible to surprise if that was reasonable had they stood pat at No. 28.”
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo (No grade obtainable): “The worst-kept secret within the NBA over the previous month was the Nuggets’ curiosity in Holmes, with Denver regarded as the crew that satisfied Holmes to close down his exercises to assist steer him there. Nuggets GM Calvin Sales space finally acquired Holmes by buying and selling the twenty eighth and 56th decide on this draft and two future second-round picks. Holmes is an environment friendly inside participant who improved each season at Dayton, and the Nuggets view him as an NBA-ready depth addition who can play each alongside and behind Nikola Jokic.”
The Sporting Information’ Kyle Irving (Grade: A): “Denver reportedly had its sights set on Holmes all through many of the pre-draft course of. The Nuggets wanted a dependable backup for Nikola Jokic and the Dayton junior is able to fill that function. He’s a fluid and athletic huge man who locks down on protection and has proven development as a scorer on offense.”
Yahoo! Sports activities (Grade: B+): “Holmes could possibly be that hybrid huge together with his polished inside scoring and enchancment in his shot choice behind the arc, averaging 38.6% from 3-point vary.”
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