The Denver Nuggets secured Aaron Gordon in a 2021 trade, and since then, he has become an indispensable part of the team’s core. In the 2024-25 season, Gordon demonstrated that he remains a crucial contributor to the Denver Nuggets’ success despite battling multiple injuries. Over 51 regular season games, he averaged 14.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, shooting an efficient 53.9% from the field and a career-high 43.6% from beyond the arc. These solid numbers underscored Gordon’s offensive growth, especially his improved three-point shooting.
While his scoring and rebounding per game dipped slightly compared to the previous season, Gordon’s defensive versatility stood out. He commonly guarded the top frontcourt threats on opposing teams, including stars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant, fulfilling a critical role that often goes unnoticed in statistical summaries. His commitment to this physical and less glamorous work has been a cornerstone of Denver’s strategy.
Impact of Injuries on Gordon and the Nuggets’ Season
Gordon faced serious setbacks during the season, missing over thirty games due to a facial fracture and injuries to his hand, which disrupted his consistency and rhythm. His absence highlighted Denver’s vulnerability in the forward positions, as the team struggled to maintain his level of physicality and defensive presence without him. When Gordon returned, often wearing a protective mask, he contributed effectively but was visibly not at full strength in the closing weeks of the season.
Breakout Moments in the 2024 Playoffs
Despite regular season hurdles, Gordon elevated his game in the playoffs and became one of the league’s cult favorites. He posted career-high playoff averages of 16.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game and added 2.7 assists on average. More significant than the numbers were his clutch moments: a strong performance in Game 1 against the Los Angeles Clippers, a buzzer-beating tip dunk in Game 4 to secure a win against the Clippers, and a pivotal Game 1 three-pointer that helped Denver claim a road victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
His shooting splits during the postseason—48.5% from the field, 37.9% from three, and 86.0% from the free throw line—translated to a 60.1% True Shooting percentage, making him a vital scoring option alongside stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, particularly given the Nuggets’ scarcity of outside shooting talent.
The playoff run ended on a difficult note when Gordon suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain late in Game 6 of the second round against the Thunder. He still played in Game 7, providing what support he could despite being limited by the injury. This moment, though bittersweet, capped a playoff performance that resonated deeply with fans and teammates alike.
Recognition from Teammates and Overall Grade
Nikola Jokic expressed high praise for Gordon’s role, saying after Denver’s Game 1 victory over Oklahoma City,
“He is the soul of this team,”
and added,
“He probably doesn’t get as much respect as he deserves. But I think he doesn’t need it.”
—Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets star
Gordon’s overall grade for the season stood at a B+, influenced largely by his injury-related absences and a slight dip in overall per-game impact relative to his 2023–24 campaign. He executed his role admirably by cutting, screening, and defending multiple positions, even though he no longer appeared as aggressive in attacking the rim as during Denver’s 2023 championship season. His free throw attempt rate fell, and rebounding numbers were down despite similar minutes played.
Adaptation and Growth in Shooting and Defense
To compensate for changes in his physicality, Gordon improved as a reliable spot-up shooter, providing better floor spacing than ever before. His defensive contributions remained solid, with key clutch moments including important late-game shots and momentum-changing stops in victories against teams such as Minnesota and Phoenix. Fans and analysts alike wondered how much more the Nuggets might have achieved if Gordon had stayed healthy enough to play 70 or more games.
Contract Extension and Future Outlook
In the offseason, Gordon chose to opt into a $22.8 million player option before agreeing to a three-year, $103 million extension, which secures his presence with Denver through the 2028-29 season. Now 29 years old, Gordon is entering a critical phase of his career, still physically capable but with a considerable workload already logged as a defensive enforcer and versatile contributor.
The Nuggets face the challenge of managing Gordon’s minutes and physical demands carefully to ensure he remains a valuable asset throughout the length of his new contract. Given his recent injuries and the wear of nearly a decade in the league, thoughtful load management will be essential to prolong his effectiveness.
If Gordon can maintain his health and appear in 65 to 70 games next season, he is likely to remain one of the NBA’s top “glue guys,” a key factor that can separate a strong Denver team from a championship-caliber one.