Aaron Gordon Injured, Out 4-6 Weeks; Nuggets Rely on Depth

URGENT UPDATE: Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain and is set to miss 4-6 weeks, according to sources from ESPN. This injury occurred during the Nuggets’ victory against the Houston Rockets on Friday, and an MRI conducted on Saturday confirmed the severity of the damage.

This setback for Gordon, who scored a career-high 50 points in the season opener against the Golden State Warriors, marks a significant blow for the Nuggets as he is the second starter sidelined for an extended period. Christian Braun is already expected to be out for at least six weeks due to an ankle sprain sustained on November 12.

Gordon’s performance this season has been stellar, averaging 18.8 points and a career-high 44.4% from beyond the arc. He is one of only seven players in the league averaging 15 points on 50-40-85 shooting, highlighting his critical role in the Nuggets’ offense.

Entering this season, Gordon had been managing bilateral hamstring issues and previously played through a Grade 2 left hamstring strain during last year’s Western Conference semifinals. With Gordon now on the sidelines, the Nuggets will look to enhance their depth, which has been bolstered by offseason acquisitions including Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas.

The Nuggets currently hold a 12-4 record, sitting second in the Western Conference standings, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder, who boast a remarkable 16-1 record. The team will now turn to Peyton Watson and the newly acquired players to step up in Gordon’s absence.

Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the Nuggets navigate this challenging stretch. The immediate impact of Gordon’s injury could reshape the team’s dynamics as they strive to maintain their position in the competitive Western Conference. Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops.