Aaron Gordon’s Resilience Fuels Nuggets’ Playoff Hopes Amidst Personal Struggles

DENVER, Colorado — Despite battling various injuries and personal grief, Aaron Gordon has played a pivotal role for the Denver Nuggets as they approach the end of the NBA regular season. With only seven games remaining, the Nuggets are gearing up for a postseason run while aiming for another shot at the championship.

Gordon has faced significant adversity this season, missing 30 games due to calf strains and an ankle sprain. However, he remains optimistic about his recovery and is determined to lift his game before the playoffs commence. “I need to get my body where I need it to be. That’s really it. Other than that, I’m all right,” Gordon said in an interview with the Denver Gazette. “I have enough time to get back in shape.”

Although his physical limitations have hindered him, Gordon boasts a career-high 3-point shooting percentage of 45.9%. His impressive accuracy places him near the top of the league, although he needs to make 15 more 3-pointers to qualify for the shooting percentage leaderboard. “Don’t get too high, don’t get too low,” teammate Nikola Jokic added, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience in the face of injuries. “Injuries are a part of basketball.”

Beyond physical hurdles, Gordon is also navigating the emotional toll of losing his brother, Drew, in a tragic accident last May. “It’s one of the most difficult [seasons],” he acknowledged. “But I’ve got a great group of guys.” His journey has been supported by teammates like Michael Porter Jr., who has recommended seeking help from Nichole Sachs, a psychotherapist specializing in chronic pain and emotional healing.

Reflecting on the changes during this challenging season, Gordon has also honored his brother by changing his jersey number from 50 to 32, representing the number Drew wore during his playing days. “A lot, brother,” Gordon said when asked how much he leans on his brother’s memory throughout the season. “A lot.”

As the playoffs loom, Gordon’s performance and wellbeing will be crucial for the Nuggets, who are currently sitting comfortably in the playoff position. The team’s dynamics have shifted with Gordon in the lineup, as demonstrated by their record of 29-15 when he plays. In contrast, they have struggled to maintain consistency without him, evidenced by a 17-13 record.

Nuggets head coach Michael Malone notes the importance of Gordon’s contributions and versatility. “We all know in the postseason, a lot of times we go to Aaron Gordon as our backup center,” he said. “When healthy, Aaron Gordon provides us size, physicality, strength and versatility.”

Off-the-court challenges aside, the Nuggets’ championship aspirations remain strong with Gordon’s abilities complementing Jokic’s unique style of play. “Joker makes the game so damn easy,” Gordon said, underscoring their on-court chemistry.

As the Nuggets brace for the postseason, Gordon’s hope is that he can serve as a reliable scorer and defender, pivotal for their playoff success. The team counts on his presence, not just as a player but as a leader capable of galvanizing others in the push for a title.