The Denver Nuggets are in a precarious position, and it all hinges on one man: Aaron Gordon. Without him, they’re simply not the same team. Despite the brilliance of Nikola Jokić and the flair of Jamal Murray, history has shown that the Nuggets’ championship aspirations are deeply tied to Gordon’s presence—and more importantly, his health. Now, with the season on the line, the Nuggets are on the cusp of a critical upgrade as Gordon eyes a return this week. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is rushing him back the right move, or could it risk derailing their entire season?
Gordon, who re-aggravated his right hamstring injury on January 23, is targeting Friday’s home game against the New York Knicks for his comeback. However, the Nuggets are understandably cautious after he missed 19 games earlier this season with the same issue, only to suffer a setback in his 10th game back. With the postseason just over a month away and the Nuggets (38-24, fifth in the Western Conference) struggling—losing 11 of their last 20 games—the stakes couldn’t be higher. And this is the part most people miss: Gordon isn’t just another player; he might be the most important role player in the NBA.
While the term ‘role player’ often carries a negative connotation, Gordon has embraced this label as the linchpin that elevates the Jokić-Murray duo. His ability to guard multiple positions, especially elite wing scorers, was the driving force behind the Nuggets’ 2021 trade with the Orlando Magic. At the time, Denver’s defense ranked 13th in the league, and Gordon’s versatility was seen as the missing piece. Fast forward to today, and the Nuggets’ defense has slipped to 21st—a stark reminder that champions rarely succeed with such a weak defensive profile, even with the league’s top offense.
When the Nuggets won their only title in 2023, they ranked 15th in defense. Since 1996-97, only one other champion (the 2000-01 Lakers) had a defensive rating outside the top 11. This underscores why Gordon’s return is imperative. Last season, the Nuggets lost Game 7 of the second-round series against the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder, partly because Gordon was hobbled by a hamstring injury. His absence was glaring, and the numbers back it up: with Gordon on the floor this season, Denver’s defensive rating (108.9) would be second-best in the league—a staggering 8.2 points better than when he’s off the court.
But Gordon’s impact isn’t just defensive. Before his injury, he was playing some of the best basketball of his career, averaging 17.7 points per game and shooting a career-best 40% from three-point range. His presence could be the difference between a deep playoff run and an early exit. If he stays healthy, alongside the returns of Peyton Watson and Cam Johnson, the Nuggets could reclaim their dominant form. But if not, their season could unravel.
Is Gordon the key to the Nuggets’ title hopes, or is his return a risky gamble? Let’s discuss in the comments. One thing’s for sure: the Nuggets’ fate hangs in the balance, and every decision from here on out will be under the microscope.
