The Denver Nuggets have faced a notable setback with the news that forward Aaron Gordon has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain. This injury, confirmed by sources to ESPN on Sunday, was sustained during a road win against the Houston Rockets on Friday. Gordon underwent an MRI the following day, which revealed the extent of the injury, and he is now set to be reevaluated in four to six weeks.
This injury marks a difficult moment for the Nuggets, as Gordon is the second starter to be sidelined for an extended period. He joins Christian Braun, who is also recuperating from an ankle sprain and expected to be out for at least six weeks. The absence of these two players presents a significant challenge for the Nuggets’ lineup as they navigate the competitive landscape of the NBA.
Aaron Gordon has been having a standout season, previously scoring a career-high 50 points on opening night against the Golden State Warriors. This impressive feat placed him among an elite group — just the sixth player in NBA history to achieve such a high score during the season’s first game. Currently, Gordon is averaging career bests in both points (18.8) and three-point shooting percentage (44.4%), making him one of only seven players to maintain averages of 15 points while shooting above 50% from the field, 40% from deep, and 85% from the free-throw line, as noted by ESPN Research.
Interestingly, Gordon’s injury woes are not entirely new. He entered the recent game while managing bilateral hamstring issues, a struggle that has become somewhat familiar. Last season, he demonstrated resilience by playing through a Grade 2 left hamstring strain during the crucial Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. This history highlights his determination and the physical toll that playing at such a high level can extract on athletes.
With Gordon out, the Nuggets will lean heavily on their depth, which they bolstered during the off-season. Fourth-year forward Peyton Watson is expected to step into a more significant role, complemented by recent acquisitions such as Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas. This influx of talent aims to cushion the impact of injuries and maintain momentum within a tightly contested Western Conference.
As of now, the Nuggets hold a record of 12-4, placing them second in the Western Conference, a position that illustrates their strength despite the setbacks. They trail only the Oklahoma City Thunder, who currently lead with an impressive 16-1 record. The heightening competition adds pressure on the Nuggets to adapt quickly and effectively manage their roster during critical stretches of the season.