Last Updated on July 24, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

DaRon Holmes II developed into one of the most complete big men in college basketball, pairing efficient scoring with strong rebounding and shot-blocking ability. As his game expanded over the years, he became the type of player who could influence nearly every aspect of a contest and consistently give his team an edge.

Player Profile

  • Full Name: DaRon Rodrick Holmes II
  • Nationality: American
  • Date of Birth: August 15, 2002
  • Hometown: Goodyear, Arizona
  • Height: 6 feet 10 inches (208 cm)
  • Weight: 225 pounds (102 kg)
  • Wingspan: 7 feet 1 inch (216cm)
  • Shoe Size: Size 18 (US)
  • Position: Power Forward
  • Jersey Number: 14
  • High School:
    • Millennium High School (Goodyear, Arizona):
    • Montverde Academy (Montverde, Florida):
    • AZ Compass Prep School (Chandler, Arizona):
  • College:
    • University of Dayton (2021–2024):
  • NBA Draft 2024: Selected 22nd overall by the Phoenix Suns; his rights were traded to the Denver Nuggets.
  • Teams Played For:
    • Denver Nuggets (2024–present): Signed with the Nuggets on July 9, 2024.
  • Championship Rings: None.
  • Parents: DaRon Sr. and Tomika
  • Siblings: He’s an only child
  • Children: None.

Player Archetype / Play Style

DaRon Holmes II’s player archetype is that of a modern two-way big, a mobile play-finishing and pick-and-pop frontcourt player who offers real value as both an interior athlete and a developing floor-spacer. Defensively, he projects as an active help defender and secondary rim protector who can block shots, rotate well, and hold up better in space than many traditional bigs, even if he is not a pure back-line anchor against every matchup. Offensively, Holmes is most effective as a screener, rim runner, cutter, lob target, and efficient finisher, but his game also expanded to include face-up scoring and credible perimeter shooting, which gives him more versatility than a standard dive man. Physically, he brings a strong 6-foot-10 frame, good length, explosive leaping ability, and fluid mobility, allowing him to play above the rim and cover ground with ease. Overall, his style is built on energy, versatility, and scalable skill, making him the type of frontcourt piece who can complement higher-usage creators while still impacting the game on both ends. (NBA Draft Profile)

Scouting Report

DaRon Holmes II plays with the mentality of a big who wants to stay involved in every action rather than waiting for the ball to find him. What stands out is how naturally he flows between roles during a possession. He’ll set a firm screen, dive hard to occupy the low man, then, on the next trip, pop into open space or catch on the short roll and immediately move the ball to the weak side without stalling the offense. That versatility makes him difficult to scheme against because defenders can’t simply sit in the paint and wait for him. Around the rim, he’s an explosive finisher who gets off the floor quickly for lobs and second-chance baskets, but he’s also comfortable attacking slower defenders with one or two dribbles when they close out too aggressively. The interesting thing is that his offensive growth has come from making quicker reads, not forcing a larger scoring workload. Defensively, Holmes covers ground well for a frontcourt player. He slides into help on time, challenges shots with verticality instead of swiping down, and has the mobility to hedge or briefly switch before recovering back to the paint. The trade-off is that powerful post scorers can test his base, while experienced guards occasionally manipulate him into opening his hips too early in space. Even so, his activity is usually controlled rather than reckless. To me, his best fit is next to a primary playmaker who thrives in pick-and-roll actions because Holmes creates passing windows with his screening, finishes above the rim, and keeps the ball moving when the defense takes away the first option. He also has enough shooting touch to prevent the lane from becoming crowded, which opens driving lanes for teammates. There are elements of John Collins in the way he combines vertical spacing with face-up scoring, while parts of his game resemble Brandon Clarke, particularly his timing as a weak-side shot challenger and his ability to make quick, efficient plays without dominating possessions.

Sports Illustrated — NBA Draft Scouting Report: Dayton’s DaRon Holmes II
No Ceilings — DaRon Holmes II: More than Meets the Eye
NBA.com — NBA 2024 Draft Prospects | DaRon Holmes II
Sports Illustrated — Evaluating DaRon Holmes II’s Strengths and Weaknesses