The Denver Nuggets are going to be without one of their most important two-way players for the next month or so, as forward Aaron Gordon is set to be reevaluated in four-to-six weeks after re-aggravating a right hamstring strain. The injury occurred during Denver’s January 23 win over the Milwaukee Bucks - a game that initially sparked some optimism, as the team hoped this strain wouldn’t be as serious as the one that sidelined Gordon earlier in the season. But now, it looks like the recovery timeline could be similar.
This is a tough blow for Denver, especially considering how impactful Gordon has been when he’s on the floor. In 23 games this season, he’s averaging 17.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in just under 28 minutes per game. He’s doing it efficiently too, shooting 50.9% from the field, 40% from deep, and nearly 79% from the line - a career-best shooting profile that’s added a valuable layer to Denver’s offense.
But Gordon’s value goes beyond the box score. Defensively, he’s been one of the Nuggets’ most reliable stoppers, often taking on the toughest wing assignments and anchoring a unit that leans heavily on cohesion and versatility. His absence will force Denver to dig deeper into their rotation, likely leaning more on younger wings and asking for more from veterans like Michael Porter Jr. and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on both ends of the floor.
The numbers tell the story: Denver is 17-6 with Gordon in the lineup this season, compared to 14-10 without him. That’s not a coincidence. His presence helps balance the starting five and gives Nikola Jokic a high-level cutter and finisher to work with - a key component in the Nuggets’ offensive flow.
Speaking of Jokic, there is some good news on that front. The three-time MVP, who’s been sidelined for the past month with a hyperextended left knee and bone bruise, is expected to be reevaluated next week. If he’s able to return soon, it would be a major boost for a team that’s currently sitting at 31-16, holding the No. 3 seed in a loaded Western Conference.
Denver’s depth and championship pedigree will be tested over the next few weeks, but they’ve been here before. The key now is weathering the storm without Gordon - and possibly without Jokic for a little longer - while staying in the thick of the race for home-court advantage.
The good news? If this team has proven anything over the past few years, it’s that they know how to navigate adversity.