“From the Swamp” has the distinct pleasure of being back in Little Caesars Arena to see yet another UD alum. This time it is DaRon Holmes II and as we all know, Deuce isn’t suiting up for the Denver Nuggets this season, as he tore his Achilles tendon in his very first NBA Summer League tilt back in July. Holmes still travels with the team on the road and even gets featured on the NBA fashion walk-in from time to time, although he’s no competition for Obi Toppin6-9/220lb | Brooklyn, New York
Dayton 2018-2020
2020 Naismith National POY
2000 Wooden Award in that regard.
DaRon talked in-depth to The Denver Post back in December about his recovery, saying “It’s kind of an advantage for me.”
https://www.denverpost.com/2024/12/13/daron-holmes-injury-update-achilles-nuggets/
This is a more recent piece from The Denver Gazette, entitled “DaRon Holmes working to reward Denver Nuggets’ investment despite delayed rookie season.”
Here is an encouraging video of Holmes working out during the recent All-Star break:
Even though DaRon is back practicing, the Nuggets put the brakes on any thoughts of him playing this season:
https://www.rotowire.com/basketball/headlines/daron-holmes-injury-practicing-but-remains-out-484124
While I have the opportunity, I thought that I would share a little bit of what the NBA gameday experience is actually like from the viewpoint of a media slug like me. Thanks to Cletus Lewis of the Pistons, I am able to secure a parking pass and press credentials. The parking garage is just across the plaza from the media entrance to LCA. The doors open at 4:00pm for a 7:00pm tipoff and I try to get there shortly thereafter. The dining room is open and they put out a really nice spread for a few hundred staffers and media types, featuring several entrees, sides and desserts, as well as hot dogs and (of course) Little Caesars pizza for the less adventurous. It’s definitely the way to go to see a game.
There’s a hallway that leads to the visiting locker room and press area. At 5:30pm, the visiting head coach does a presser. That’s where I met up with Nick O’Hayre, the Nuggets VP of Media Relations who has graciously arranged for me to chat with Deuce. I caught Nuggets HC Mike Malone as he was walking out of the press room and asked about his injured rookie and DaRon’s progress.
“Definitely making progress, getting healthy and moving in the right direction.”
Coach Malone said his best memory of when he coached at nearby Oakland University under legendary HC Greg Kampe was “playing pickup basketball with Barry Sanders.”
Outside the press room there is the player’s tunnel that leads to the floor and a separate stairway to the elevated press area, where I will be ensconced for the evening. Nick O’Hayre checks on DaRon and I head into the locker room after he had taken a quick shower to chat with the former Flyer.
FTS: How close were you to coming back for another season at Dayton?
DH: Yeah, it was a tough decision and both of my coaches helped me with my choices and got their insights on what was the best idea.
FTS: I chatted with Toumani when he was here in Detroit last month and he said you guys had a chance to catch up when your teams met. What are your impressions of his adjustments to the NBA?
DH: Oh yes, I saw him when we played Portland and caught up with him. He’s doing great–he was a Rising Star and is a future All-Star. It was great to see him.
FTS: How about Obi Toppin? Did you connect with him when you played Indy earlier this week?
DH: He’s doing great things. They’re both doing outstanding and it’s great to see what guys from our school can do in the pros. They’re really setting a great example for the next ones to come.
FTS: Don’t know if you saw, but Jalen Crutcher signed a 10-day contract with the Pelicans. That makes 4 Flyers in the NBA. How cool is that?
DH: That’s very cool, it shows what we are capable of. Honestly it shows how the coaching staff develops players and how our system translates to the NBA. It’s helpful for recruits coming in–being able to say we’ve got guys that are doing well.
FTS: Having gone through it yourself, are you included in the family recruiting discussions with Cam?
DH: Definitely. I just try to tell him to make the best choice for him. Obviously, I want him to come to Dayton! I don’t know where he is leaning towards. From what I’m hearing, he loves Dayton. I think he’s going to do a visit sometime soon. I try not to get too involved–he knows where I stand! (laughs)
FTS: Are you planning to play in summer league again?
DH: From what I’m hearing now, I’m pretty sure I will be. I don’t know how many games it will be, but I figure I’ll be playing in the summer league.
FTS: You’re back at practice, on a limited basis, right?
DH: Moving around…running…jumping. Now it’s just about when the coaches and the training staff feel it’s a comfortable time for me to get back out there.
FTS: You look physically bigger, both upper and lower body then when you were at Dayton. Obviously, you’ve been working on that.
DH: Yeah, it’s been a process. So every day I go in and try to get better. It comes from high school and then college, the things they used to push me through.
FTS: What area of your game do you want to improve the most?
DH: Just continue to get a feel for the game and understand what I need to do. I think I’ve done a pretty good job of that so far. Continue to be a great team player, on and off the court.
FTS: What’s the most difficult thing about travel, besides having to wear a little backpack? (part of rookie initiation)
DH: Really, it’s just getting used to it–it’s a lot of travel. Having to keep the mindset that we’re here and the next game mentality. I feel like after I get used to it, it’ll be fine.
FTS: This is the first time you have ever sat on the bench. What has that experience been like? Has it helped you see the game better?
DH: You get a chance to watch our system and understand the game better. Obviously, it’s different from being out there, but still you see it and it’s a great opportunity. This is a championship team, so it just makes me a lot better.
It was great to see Deuce again and can’t wait until he is back on the court and making the Flyer Faithful proud.
That’s it “From the Swamp.”
Very nice. Thanks.
Love it…. Thank you Swampy.
Awesome stuff. Thanks for putting in the effort. This is a lot of work, time, and commitment and you get paid the same salary ($0) as me. The members should appreciate the sacrifices…you could have been doing any number of other things with your time.
I vote we double your salaries!
Update on DaRon’s progress: