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The Role of Aaron Gordon in the Denver Nuggets’ Success
There’s no doubt that if healthy, the Denver Nuggets may be the best bet to keep the Oklahoma City Thunder from repeating as champions this season. However, their success hinges on a significant "if" — whether key players, especially Aaron Gordon, can stay injury-free. On a recent episode of the Zach Lowe Show, Lowe and his guest, Rob Mahoney, were discussing the Nuggets’ recent performance without Nikola Jokic. During this conversation, Zach made a bold statement, saying, “Aaron Gordon to me, Aaron Gordon’s legs are maybe now the biggest wild card in the entire NBA season.”
Lowe continued by stating that if Gordon is 90-95% healthy, “I’m not going to say they’re the favorites, but they’re as good as Oklahoma City.” While this might not be a particularly controversial take, it’s definitely not a commonly accepted or popular opinion. Most pundits still consider the defending champions to be on their own level, even with their recent struggles.
However, Lowe and Mahoney highlighted the many ways that Gordon contributes to the team on both ends of the court. His skill set is versatile, making him a crucial piece for the Nuggets. While he may not be a star on the level of Nikola Jokic or Jamal Murray, if AG is a role player, he fills that role as well as any player in the league.
Defensive Struggles Without Aaron Gordon
Gordon made waves on opening night when he dropped 50 points, hitting 10-11 three-pointers. This was a great showcase of his improved shooting and how he can impact the game as a scorer. However, the Denver offense is rarely an issue as long as Jokic is playing. Where they really miss Gordon is on the defensive end.
He’s that rare breed of player who can truly play inside and outside, with the quickness and athleticism to hang on the perimeter with the best wing players in the league, and the size and strength to hang with the best big men down in the paint. His presence is essential for anchoring the defense.
Since Gordon went down in late November, the Nuggets have fallen out of the top 20 in defensive rankings. That’s not a recipe for success in the NBA playoffs, and the Nuggets know they have to clean up their defense to be true contenders. We know they can do it, but they need the best version of Gordon to make it happen. Just like Lowe said, if the Nuggets can get that, they’ve got as good a chance as anyone.
The Impact of Gordon on Team Dynamics
Gordon’s versatility allows him to adapt to different roles within the team. He can guard multiple positions, which makes him invaluable in a league where matchups are critical. His ability to switch on defense and contribute offensively gives the Nuggets a unique edge. When he’s on the court, the team’s overall performance improves significantly.
In addition to his defensive contributions, Gordon’s offensive skills have evolved. His shooting range has expanded, allowing him to stretch the floor and create space for his teammates. This development has made him a more complete player and a key component of the Nuggets’ strategy.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, the Nuggets will need to find ways to compensate for any potential injuries. They have shown resilience in the past, but their path to the championship will depend heavily on the health and performance of their key players. Gordon’s return could be the difference between being a contender and just another team in the playoff race.
The Nuggets have the talent and depth to compete at the highest level, but they must address their defensive shortcomings. With the right combination of players and strategies, they can become a formidable force in the NBA. The journey ahead will test their resolve, but with Gordon’s return, the Nuggets have a real shot at making a deep playoff run.