A big reason why the Nuggets sat tight at the trade deadline was sitting at the end of Denver’s bench Wednesday in a white T-shirt, dark jeans and white sneakers.

The hope was DaRon Holmes II would end Denver’s years-long search for a consistent option behind Nikola Jokic. General manager Calvin Booth’s front office liked the versatile 6-foot-10 big man out of Dayton enough to send the 28th and 56th picks in last year’s draft and two more future second-round picks to Phoenix to move up six spots and make sure Holmes started his professional career in Denver.

The draft-night deal, coupled with the three second-round picks Booth sent to Charlotte to get off Reggie Jackson’s contract and create room for Russell Westbrook, left Denver with just one tradeable selection, the 2031 first-round pick. While picks and players were changing hands with great frequency in the days before the deadline, the Nuggets were one of four teams, joining Minnesota, Orlando and Portland, not to make a deal.

Booth’s plan was quickly derailed. Holmes tore the Achilles tendon in his right leg during the second half of his NBA Summer League debut.

“In that moment in time, you have two different options. You can either sulk and pout about it and have your head down or you can look at the positives,” Holmes told The Denver Gazette on Tuesday. “I chose to look at the positives, because that’s how I was raised.”

The silver lining of the unfortunate situation was a head start when it came to adjusting to life in the NBA. Holmes is getting a feel for life on the road, figuring out a sleep schedule that works for him and learning Denver’s playbook while he watches from the bench.

“We have a coaching staff, we have players, we have vets who are constantly challenging him, quizzing him, asking him questions. So, he’s not just hanging out, eating popcorn and getting rehab,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said prior to Denver’s final game before Thursday’s deadline.

“He’s a positive kid. He’s very upbeat. The training staff is doing a hell of a job with him. He’s doing a hell of a job in his recovery, but it’s not just focusing on the Achilles recovery. It’s also making sure that he’s getting something out of this season from a basketball standpoint. That’s having an understanding of what our game plan is every night and just the terminology and things that we try to do on a day-to-day basis.”

While Holmes won’t play this season, he’s ramping up physically. He’s started going through a pregame shooting routine like the rest of the roster, and he’s on the verge of taking another step forward in his recovery.

“We’re waiting until after All-Star break, then I’ll be able to hop in practice, do three-on-three, still progress that way,” Holmes said.

Holmes has worked closely with Stephen Graham, a member of Denver’s player-development staff. DeAndre Jordan and Russell Westbrook have provided some veteran leadership throughout the year, Graham said.

“He’s doing remarkable,” Graham told the Denver Gazette after Thursday’s game.

“Next year … I think we’re going to see really big things from him. He can shoot the ball really well.”

Michael Porter Jr. knows what it’s like to spend what was supposed to be a rookie year on the sidelines. Porter had his second back surgery soon after he was drafted by the Nuggets in 2018 and waited a year to make his official NBA debut.

“Physically, he looks really good. I’ve heard he’s ahead of schedule,” Porter said after the Nuggets beat Pelicans on Wednesday.

“He’s working out every day upstairs, and he’s really going hard, so that’s good to see. I think he’s paying close attention. He’s asking a lot of questions. He’s just a great guy to have around the team. He brings a contagious energy around the team.”

Seemingly the only misstep Holmes has made this season came with a different wardrobe choice. During Denver’s Jan. 17 game in Miami, Holmes wore the kit of his favorite soccer player, Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-Min. There was only one problem. Tottenham is the hated rival of Arsenal, also owned by Kroenke Sports and Entertainment.

“What’s crazy is, I wasn’t even fully thinking. Our owner is the owner of Arsenal. That’s something I didn’t even really realize until after. I knew it before, but he’s my favorite soccer player, so it’s not like I’m trying to be like ‘Oh, I don’t like the owner.’ That’s not at all what I was trying to do. I just love Son. I play (with) him on FIFA all the time. He’s literally my favorite athlete,” Holmes said.

“That’s all that was.”

The T-shirt-and-jeans look Holmes went with Wednesday was a much safer choice as he works toward a return. While he’s still months away from showing what he can do for the Nuggets as a reserve big man, the 22-year-old is trying to turn misfortune into a head start ahead of his delayed rookie year.

“Just being able to see all the plays and stuff has been great. That’s what’s been the biggest thing for me,” Holmes said. “

“What I can do now is use this year to my advantage for next year when I’m a rookie, technically.”

NUGGETS 112, MAGIC 90

What happened: The Nuggets trailed by one after the first quarter but got hot in the second and led 59-50 at halftime. Denver extended the lead to 25 after three quarters and cruised to 33-19 on the season.

What went right: Michael Porter Jr. posted his third 30-point game in a row, finishing with 30 points on 11-of-16 shooting. Nikola Jokic recorded another triple-double before the third quarter ended, dropping 28 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds, and Denver caught Houston for third place in the Western Conference with the win.

What went wrong: The score was so lopsided after three quarters that Porter didn’t have a chance to go for the first 40-point game of his career. Denver also went 12 of 21 on free throws.

Highlight of the night: Nikola Jokic’s threat as a passer was on full display late in the third quarter. Jokic drove down the middle of the lane and used a pass fake to take Paolo Banchero out of the play. That left plenty of space for Jokic to go up for a two-handed dunk.

Up next: The Nuggets are off the Phoenix for Saturday’s game before returning to Denver for the final two games before the All-Star break.