2024 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Hawks play it safe, Wizards go big, Spurs fill two needs
By Cal Durrett
28) Denver Nuggets-DaRon Holmes II
After depth issues plagued the Denver Nuggets all season, they will almost certainly look for a player who can contribute next season. That probably means they will look for more experienced prospects. With guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (KCP) possibly opting out and leaving in free agency this summer, they could use more bench help and DaRon Holmes II seems like a great fit.
He is big enough to play center in the NBA and can score in the post while also having range, allowing him to play with another big man. That should allow him to play alongside Nikola Jokic or Aaron Gordon and boost their frontcourt depth on the cheap.
That cheap part can't be understated with the Nuggets close to the second apron and they would probably exceed it if they were to pony up and re-sign KCP. Fortunately, they have a first-round pick this year and while this draft class is questionable, that criticism is usually reserved for the top of the draft.
Therefore, the Nuggets should be able to get decent value, even with a late first-round pick. Holmes II would potentially be an immediate rotation player on a team that may only be a few minor tweaks away from returning to the NBA Finals.