DaRon Holmes II’s rookie season will be a redshirt year.

Denver’s pick with the 22nd overall selection in last month’s draft suffered a torn Achilles tendon in his right leg during the final minutes of Friday’s Summer League opener in Las Vegas, according to a report from The Athletic. He’s expected to miss the entirety of next season.

“(It’s about) just be a great teammate,” Nuggets guard Julian Strawther said. “Obviously he’s new around here, but he just brings such a positive energy. Just being able to reciprocate that energy for him and being a great guy.”

Holmes looked like someone who could help the Nuggets frontcourt early in his professional debut. He sunk all three of his 3-pointers, finished with 11 points, grabbed a team-high seven rebounds and turned a steal into a transition dunk in nearly 26 minutes of playing time.

The injury occurred on a defensive possession in the fourth quarter. Holmes hobbled off the court with the Nuggets’ training staff, and coach Michael Malone was called to the back before the game ended. The news was reported less than 30 minutes after Denver’s first Summer League contest, an 88-78 loss to the Clippers, ended.

GAME RECAP

Clippers 88, Nuggets 78

What happened: Denver dropped its summer league opener by a final of 8X-78 on Friday night at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, but the only thing of concern at the moment is first round draft pick DaRon Holmes II, who suffered a torn right Achilles, per the Athletic. Holmes was having a solid debut with 11 points, including a perfect 3-for-3 from 3-point range, and a team-high seven rebounds.

What went right: Julian Strawther looked like a player who was at summer league for the second time. The Nuggets’ 2023 first round pick was the focal point offensively and used his aggressiveness to pour in a team-high 25 points on 7-for-19 shooting from the field, 3-for-10 from 3-point range and 8-for-10 from the free throw line. Former Creighton standout Trey Alexander, who signed a two-way contract with Denver for this season, had 12 points off the bench and looked comfortable in his first live action.

What went wrong: Denver couldn’t contain former Miami standout Jordan Miller, who had a game-high 36 points on 11-for-18 shooting from the field for the Clippers. The Nuggets also allowed L.A. to grab 16 offensive rebounds, which led to 22 second-chance points. 

Up next: The Nuggets are back in action on Sunday night as they face the Toronto Raptors at 7:30 p.m. MT. 

Tyler King, The Denver Gazette