Sat Apr 05 03:00:00 UTC 2025: **Nuggets’ Gordon Battling Injuries and Grief, Still Thriving on the Court**
DENVER, CO – Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon is having a standout season despite facing significant physical and emotional challenges. Gordon has missed 30 games due to calf strains and an ankle sprain, yet he boasts a career-high 3-point shooting percentage of 45.9%. He’s just short of qualifying for the league lead, needing 15 more three-pointers in the final seven regular season games.
The 29-year-old is also coping with the death of his older brother, Drew, who passed away in a traffic accident last May. Gordon has honored his brother by changing his jersey number to 32 (Drew’s number) and getting a commemorative tattoo. He acknowledges the difficulty of navigating both physical pain and grief, calling this his “most difficult” NBA season.
Teammate Michael Porter Jr. has offered support, suggesting Gordon address the potential link between his physical and emotional pain by seeking help for emotional processing. Porter shared his own experience with chronic pain, emphasizing the importance of emotional well-being.
Despite the setbacks, Gordon remains optimistic, stating he has enough time to regain full flexibility before the playoffs. Nuggets coach Nikola Jokic expressed confidence in Gordon’s ability to overcome these obstacles.
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