David Adelman has spent the preseason sorting through a deeper Nuggets roster than he expected, and that has left DaRon Holmes in an awkward spot.
Last week, Adelman said he was concerned Denver might only have nine players it could count on this season. That concern has since given way to a different problem: there may be so much usable depth that trimming the rotation to 10 will be difficult. In the middle of that shuffle, Holmes has been one of the clearest losers so far.
The 24-year-old big man has been pushed behind reserves such as Marvin Bagley III and Spencer Jones, while also fighting Trevon Brazile and Zeke Nnaji for third-string minutes. Ahead of Sunday’s preseason game against the Chicago Bulls, Adelman offered a little more definition for where Holmes stands, telling Brendan Vogt of DNVR Nuggets that he sees Holmes as more of a center than a power forward.
David Adelman said he views DaRon Holmes II as a 5 more than a 4 right now.Given the current skillset, and areas of improvement, that’s where he’s more likely to find playing time at the moment. Biggest area of improvement at 4 -being able to guard 4s.
That matters because Holmes’ profile suggests a forward. He moves well, he can pass, he brings athleticism, and the shooting upside is part of the appeal.
But if Denver really treats him as a five, the path changes. Instead of battling directly with Brazile and Nnaji for the same power forward slot, Holmes would stand as the Nuggets’ third center behind Nikola Jokic and Bagley.
That at least creates a clearer avenue to minutes if either of the two frontcourt regulars misses time.
There is still plenty of interest in seeing what Holmes can become. He entered the league as an exciting Dayton prospect in 2024, only for an Achilles tear to wipe out his rookie season before it even began. He eventually made it back to the floor last season, but the opportunity has not matched the buzz that followed Denver taking him 22nd overall two years ago.
So far this preseason, he has not made a strong case. Through Denver’s first two games, Holmes has played 19 total minutes and posted eight points, four rebounds, and two assists while shooting 3-9 from the field and 0-4 from three.
He still has three preseason games left to change the picture before the regular season starts and he likely settles lower on the bench. The raw tools are there for Holmes to become a reliable backup big in the league, whether that ends up being at center or power forward. But if he wants that future in Denver to stay on track, he needs to start showing it now.
He also has a team option for 2026-27, one that the Nuggets will be watching closely if this season does not produce a leap. For now, the move to center could help him. Preseason production, though, has left plenty to be desired.
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