Posted By Caden Fitzwilliam On 23 Nov 2025 Comments (0)
Just three minutes into the Denver Nuggets’ NBA Cup matchup against the Houston Rockets on November 21, 2025Toyota Center, Aaron Gordon clutched the back of his right leg and limped off the court — a moment that instantly changed the trajectory of Denver’s season. The Denver Nuggets confirmed the next day that the 29-year-old forward suffered a right hamstring strain, with head coach David Adelman telling reporters he’s expected to miss “some time”. The team’s official injury report later clarified: “At least one month.” This isn’t just another setback. It’s a seismic blow to a team that had been flying under the radar as a legitimate title contender.
How a Single Play Derailed a Critical Season
Gordon had been playing through discomfort all month. His left hamstring had been nagging him since early November, keeping him listed as “questionable” for three straight games. Just hours before tip-off against the Rockets, the Nuggets upgraded him to “probable” — a cautious optimism that felt like a gamble. It was. At 8:03 PM CT, while cutting baseline on a fast break, Gordon’s right hamstring gave out. No contact. No collision. Just a snap. He didn’t return. The medical staff confirmed it was a Grade 2 strain — distinct from his prior left-side issue — and now the real work begins.“Hamstrings don’t heal on a calendar,” said a source close to the Nuggets’ training staff. “Especially when you’ve got bilateral issues. You don’t rush this. One misstep, and you’re looking at a season-ending tear.”
The Stats That Show What Denver’s Losing
Through the first 12 games of the 2025-2026 season, Gordon wasn’t just contributing — he was elevating. He averaged 18.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting an elite 53.2% from the field. His defense? Even more valuable. He guarded every position from 2 to 4, switched seamlessly, and disrupted passing lanes like a man possessed. Former Draymond Green put it best last season: “Aaron Gordon is so much better than people realize. He plays his role at a very high level.”That role just got harder to fill. Gordon was Denver’s most reliable secondary scorer behind Nikola Jokić. He was the glue on offense, the anchor on defense. And now, for at least four weeks, he’s gone.
The Ripple Effect: A Lineup in Crisis
Gordon’s absence isn’t happening in a vacuum. Christian Braun, the Nuggets’ other starting wing, remains sidelined with a lingering ankle sprain — expected to miss at least another three weeks. That leaves Denver with a gaping hole at both the small forward and power forward spots. The rotation now hinges on Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown Jr., who combined for 22 points in Gordon’s absence against Houston. That’s fine for one game. Not for 20.Coach Adelman has already shifted Michael Porter Jr. to the four, but he’s not a natural power forward. And Jalen Johnson, the rookie, is still learning NBA pace. The team’s defensive rating has already slipped 6.2 points per 100 possessions since Gordon left the floor.
What This Means for the Western Conference Race
The Nuggets entered the season as one of the top three teams in the West. Now, they’re vulnerable. The Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns are surging. The Golden State Warriors are finding their rhythm. And the Denver Nuggets — without their most versatile two-way player — are suddenly the team others will target.It’s not just about wins and losses. It’s about playoff seeding. A top-two seed in the West means home-court advantage through the first two rounds. Without Gordon, Denver’s ceiling drops. They can still win with Jokić. But they can’t win consistently against elite teams without him.
What’s Next? Recovery, Rotation, and Risk
The Nuggets’ medical team is taking a cautious approach. Gordon will begin light rehab in the next 72 hours, but he won’t return to basketball activities for at least two weeks. A return before December 21 — his 30th birthday — is unlikely. The team has already placed him on the injury report as “out indefinitely,” a subtle but telling shift from “out for at least one month.”They’ve also started exploring trade options for a veteran forward, but the market is thin. Players like Jrue Holiday or Pascal Siakam aren’t going anywhere. Denver’s best bet might be internal: give more minutes to Nikola Jokić in the pick-and-roll, let Jamal Murray create more, and hope their depth holds.
But here’s the thing: depth doesn’t replace elite talent. Gordon wasn’t just a role player. He was the perfect complement to Jokić. And now, that perfect symmetry is broken.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Aaron Gordon expected to be out?
The Denver Nuggets officially list Gordon as out for at least one month, with team sources suggesting a return no sooner than mid-December. Given his bilateral hamstring history and the severity of the right strain, a return before Christmas is unlikely. The team is prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains.
Why is this injury more serious than his previous hamstring issue?
Gordon’s earlier issue was a left hamstring strain that he managed through rehab and rest. The new injury is a separate, acute right hamstring strain — a Grade 2 tear — occurring in a different muscle group. With both hamstrings compromised, the risk of re-injury skyrockets. Recovery requires full strength restoration, not just pain management.
Who steps up in Aaron Gordon’s absence?
Michael Porter Jr. is being moved to the power forward spot, while Bruce Brown Jr. and Tim Hardaway Jr. are seeing increased minutes. Rookie Jalen Johnson is getting his first extended NBA action. But none offer Gordon’s defensive versatility or offensive efficiency. Denver’s bench depth is being tested like never before.
Could this impact the Nuggets’ playoff chances?
Absolutely. With Gordon out, Denver’s win probability against top-tier teams drops by an estimated 15-20%. Their defense, ranked third in the league before the injury, has already slipped. If they fall out of the top four in the West, they risk facing the Suns or Lakers in the second round — a much tougher path than a matchup with a lower seed.
Has this happened to another NBA star before?
Yes. In 2021, Kawhi Leonard missed the entire postseason after a partial ACL tear that stemmed from a hamstring strain. Hamstring injuries are notoriously unpredictable. Even players like LeBron James and Kevin Durant have seen their seasons derailed by recurring hamstring issues. Gordon’s case is a textbook example of why teams manage these injuries conservatively.
What’s the long-term outlook for Aaron Gordon?
If he returns fully healthy, Gordon’s value remains high — he’s under contract through 2027. But this injury raises questions about durability. At 29, his body is no longer as forgiving. The Nuggets will likely extend his contract with performance incentives tied to health. His legacy as a role player may now be redefined by how he handles this setback.