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DaRon Holmes II enrolled with the Dayton Flyers as the No. 38-ranked prospect in the country in 2021. In his three years in college, he has gradually improved into a big man who could be an ideal backup for several teams picking in the late first round and early second round.
In 2023–24, Holmes displayed a massive uptick in his shooting stats on his way to averaging 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game.
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Listed at 6'8" coming out of high school, Holmes grew two inches in college, which helped him become better at blocking.
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DaRon Holmes II has drawn comparisons to new-age NBA big men like Naz Reid and PJ Washington, all switchable big men who have shown the ability to shoot threes when called upon.
Let's compare DaRon Holmes II with Naz Reid ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft.
DaRon Holmes II vs Naz Reid: Strengths
DaRon's most eye-catching skill is shot-blocking, which he puts to excellent use as a cornerstone of the Flyers' defense. He was named the Atlantic 10 Conference's Defensive Player of the Year in 2024 and showed the proficiency to contest without fouling.
On offense, Holmes can screen and cut according to his team's needs and has developed into a commendable shooter from the outside as well. In the 2023–2024 season, his shooting percentage from downtown skyrocketed to an impressive 38%, including 40% on catch-and-shoot threes.
He also has the handle to put the ball on the floor and take it all the way to the rim, which is a skill most NBA teams are searching for nowadays.
Naz Reid has carved out a niche for himself in the Minnesota Timberwolves rotation with many of the same skills that DaRon has. His ability to switch onto the opposition's premier scorers is a skill that is widely admired, as is his prowess in contesting three-pointers.
DaRon Holmes II vs Naz Reid: Weaknesses
DaRon's anomalous increase in shooting could be a potential red flag for NBA teams. He is also wispy and lean, weighing in at 236 lbs.
With the benefit of strength and conditioning coaches of a high standard, he will beef up pretty soon but before that happens, he is in for a rough few months against stronger opposition bigs.
Naz Reid had similar doubts about his game coming into the draft and was seen by many as too 'flashy' for a 6'9" forward. He has parlayed those characteristics into a solid career as a switch-heavy NBA role player.
DaRon Holmes II's other NBA comparisons and Draft Projection
Holmes has also been compared to Myles Turner for his shooting and blocking and that is a great sign for him ahead of the NBA Draft. His hustle and hard-edged style of play have also drawn comparisons to recent lottery pick Jalen Smith.
Teams that opt for a switch-heavy defensive style will be looking to pick Holmes in the 20s and 30s. He could be a good option for the Bucks at 23 and 33. This should not stop the Oklahoma City Thunder from picking him in the lottery with the 12th pick, giving them two-way versatility.
