In the pre-draft process, the Denver Nuggets were heavily connected to Dayton center DaRon Holmes. He was a dominant player for a really good Dayton team this year. The Nuggets were able to move up, with help from the Phoenix Suns, to get their guy. In total, the Nuggets needed to give their first-round pick this year, as well as three second-round picks in order to pull off the DaRon Holmes trade.
DaRon Holmes Trade Provides Depth Behind Nikola Jokic
The number one thing when evaluating this draft pick for the Denver Nuggets is the depth that he brings. It is no secret that Nikola Jokic is one of, if not, the best player in the NBA, but watching the playoffs last year he has shown a little burnout. Last season, Denver ran Aaron Gordon at their five to help spell those Jokic minutes. That obviously left them undersized, so adding the Dayton big man should pay off immediately.
While at Dayton last season, DaRon Holmes averaged 20.4 points on 54.4% shooting and 38.6% shooting from the three-point line. Holmes is probably not going to step out and take many threes in the NBA, but he can certainly play outside of the paint. If the opportunity comes with both Jokic and Holmes on the court together, I can see Holmes handling the ball in a pick-and-roll situation. Adding 8.5 rebounds per game and 2.6 assists per game, Holmes’ game stretches outside of just scoring. All in all, like what was stated before, Holmes should provide a solid replacement for Jokic when the MVP needs a rest.
Suns Acquire Picks to Build Depth
Much like the Nuggets, this move for Phoenix seemed to revolve around adding depth to their big three of Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker. With the 28th pick from the Timberwolves, the Suns selected Ryan Dunn. Dunn will bring incredible perimeter defense, something the Phoenix will need with their ability to dominate on offense. Outside of blocking shots and pestering opposing wings, Dunn has the capability to step out and hit a three from time to time.
With the three second-round picks that the Suns acquired from the Nuggets, they could go a number of ways. We have seen in the past that the Bucks traded a flurry of second-round picks to acquire Jae Crowder. Could the Suns do something similar to improve their bench? Another option is to use those picks to take shots on lesser-known prospects and hopefully hit on one of them. Either way, the Suns should be able to bolster their depth and overall roster with an extra three picks from the Nuggets, something that they desperately needed.
