The Denver Nuggets are feeling Aaron Gordon’s absence in a big way-and it’s starting to shape the narrative of their season. With the All-Star break looming and the playoff race tightening, Denver’s lack of size and physicality is becoming harder to ignore. Unless the front office acts soon, this could be what defines their 2025-26 campaign.
Let’s be clear: Denver needs another big man. Badly.
They’ve got one more game-at home against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday-before the break gives the roster a much-needed breather. That rest could be huge for guys like Christian Braun and Cam Johnson, who are working their way back from injuries. But rest alone won’t fix what’s become an increasingly glaring issue: the Nuggets are getting pushed around.
Monday night’s collapse against Cleveland was the latest example. Denver had control, then lost it-again.
And this wasn’t a one-off. We’ve seen it against Oklahoma City.
We’ve seen it in Detroit. We’ve seen it in New York.
Teams with size and physicality are bullying the Nuggets, especially late in games. And it’s not just about effort-it’s about construction.
Right now, Denver’s rotations often feature either Nikola Jokić or Jonas Valančiūnas surrounded by four guards or wings. That leaves the paint exposed.
Pull Jokić or Valančiūnas away from the rim-especially Jokić, who, for all his brilliance, isn’t a rim protector-and opponents have a clear runway to the basket. If the other team has shooters who can stretch the floor, it’s even worse.
That defensive vulnerability is costing Denver wins.
This is where Gordon’s absence really hurts. When healthy, he brings a level of toughness and versatility that anchors Denver’s defense.
He can bang with bigs, switch onto wings, and crash the glass. He gives the Nuggets a physical edge they’re sorely missing right now.
But with Gordon sidelined-and expected to stay that way for a while-Denver can’t afford to wait.
The reality is, hamstring injuries don’t heal overnight, especially when it’s the second significant one in less than a year. Even if Gordon returns in a month or so, expecting him to be anywhere near 100% for the postseason is wishful thinking. Denver needs help now.
Rookie Spencer Jones returning from a concussion will help, but he’s not a fix-all. And based on how the rotation has shaken out, it’s pretty clear the team doesn’t see Zeke Nnaji or DaRon Holmes as reliable answers in the frontcourt right now.
That’s why the trade deadline moves-while subtle-could prove to be pivotal. Denver cleared a roster spot by dealing Hunter Tyson and got under the salary cap’s second apron.
That move wasn’t about this week-it was about setting up the next one. The Nuggets are now positioned to dive into the buyout market, and that could be where this season turns.
There are expected to be several veteran bigs available soon. Names like DeAndre Jordan, Mason Plumlee, and Kyle Anderson are all floating around.
Anderson, in particular, could be a fit. At 6’8”, he brings toughness, experience, and positional versatility.
If Memphis buys out his contract-as many believe they will-he could be exactly the kind of plug-and-play piece Denver needs to stabilize the frontcourt.
This isn’t about waiting for perfect health. That’s not realistic.
It’s about depth. Depth wins in the postseason, not just star power.
The Nuggets proved that earlier this season when Jokić and others missed time, and the bench stepped up. The front office deserves credit for the summer moves that gave this team more layers.
But now it’s time to double down.
Denver’s championship hopes don’t hinge on Gordon making a miraculous recovery. They hinge on whether the front office can find one more piece to reinforce the interior defense and bring some bite back to this team’s identity. Because right now, they’re getting outmuscled-and that won’t cut it in May or June.
The window is still open. But the Nuggets have to act like a team that knows it won’t stay that way forever.