As the Denver Nuggets are closing in on the playoffs, much of the attention centers around Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. However, Denver’s title hopes may ultimately depend on Aaron Gordon.
When Gordon is playing at his highest level, the Nuggets are one of the most complete teams in the NBA.
For the past two seasons, Gordon has dealt with lingering hamstring injuries. This has hindered the Nuggets’ ability to maintain consistency, particularly on the defensive end, where Gordon plays a fundamental role.
Gordon’s Role
Gordon plays a major role on the Nuggets. He has a skillset that complements Jokić well, allowing him to score efficiently, especially from the dunker’s spot.
Two years ago, Gordon stated, “I’m just lurking on the baseline trying to clean up the garbage.”
He has played 31 games this season, averaging 16.6 points (50% FG, 40% 3PT, 77% FT), 5.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over 27.6 minutes per game.
Gordon has developed a consistent three-point shot over the years as well, now shooting 41% during the 2025-26 season. His shooting has been crucial to the team, hitting major shots in the clutch. He has put them over the edge in many late-game situations.
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His defensive presence is essential to the Nuggets. As Jokić can be a liability on defense, Gordon provides size and strength in the paint while also guarding the best players on the court.
Gordon has raised the ceiling of this team’s aspirations after his acquisition in 2021. Now, health is the only thing standing in their way of winning another championship.
Proven Impact
The Nuggets are 24-19 without Aaron Gordon this season, compared to 22-9 with him. A major reason for this is that the Nuggets have posted a defensive rating of 115.8 with Gordon and 119.1 without him this season.
Though this difference in defensive ratings may seem minuscule, the gap between them could determine whether the Nuggets can make a deep playoff run. For instance, the Oklahoma City Thunder have a defensive rating of 106.9 when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander plays, versus 110.8 when he doesn’t.
SGA is considered one of the best guard defenders in the league today and has a defensive rating similar to Gordon’s when neither plays.
David Adelman has praised Gordon’s defensive versatility. His ability to guard one through five allows the Nuggets to run multiple different defensive lineups, many of which keep the team’s best defensive players on the court at the same time when needed.
Championship Push
When Gordon is fully healthy, the Nuggets look like their strongest version.
During last year’s playoffs versus the Oklahoma City Thunder, Aaron Gordon strained his left hamstring during Game 6. For Game 7, he pushed through and played. However, the Nuggets lost 93-125, and he played only 24 minutes.
The Nuggets need Gordon to be at his full capabilities to compete with the top teams. Teams in the Western Conference have continued to improve, leaving the Nuggets with no room for error.
Given Gordon’s constant injuries this season, it is a concern how realistic it is to expect him to play every game in the postseason.
As the playoffs approach, Aaron Gordon’s health will be one of the most important storylines to watch. If he is able to stay on the floor while playing at his best, the Nuggets will remain strong contenders for another NBA title.
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