The Denver Nuggets are hoping to emerge out of the competitive Western Conference pack as champions once again, as the 2023 title-holders sit No. 5 with 38 wins and 24 losses. While Nikola Jokic is playing at an MVP level, the Nuggets have had unfortunate injury luck all season. This is exemplified through Aaron Gordon's struggles this season.
Gordon is the crucial third piece to the Nuggets' success behind Jokic and Jamal Murray. He's their defensive anchor and is capable of explosive offensive performances, like the one we saw with his 50-point outburst at the start of the season. Unfortunately, he's played just 23 games out of the Nuggets' 62 this season due to various injuries.
He missed 19 games earlier this season with a hamstring issue, missing time from November to January. He would get hurt just 10 games after his return and has been sidelined since the Nuggets' 102-100 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, where he scored 13 points in 16 minutes before getting injured.
Gordon's absence has played a big role in the Nuggets being stuck in the middle of the West when many were expecting them to be title contenders. Fortunately, it seems Gordon is about to return to the court, as reported by The Athletic's Sam Amick.
"Per a league source close to Gordon, the veteran forward — who re-aggravated his right hamstring injury on Jan. 23 — is targeting a return in Friday’s home game against the New York Knicks. It remains to be seen if he’ll get the necessary clearance from the Nuggets, who are being understandably cautious here in light of the setback he suffered six weeks ago."
Gordon is averaging 17.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists this season, although he's spent more time on the recovery table than on the court. His impact as a multi-positional defender can't be understated, as he can reliably take on the toughest matchups while remaining a productive scorer.
The Nuggets have a 118.8 defensive rating without Gordon this season, but that improved to 115.2 when Gordon is on the court. While that doesn't make the Nuggets one of the best defenses in the NBA, it's proven to be enough of a swing for an NBA Championship. Gordon improving them on the margins could be the difference between a championship or a first-round exit.
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They're 21-18 without Gordon in the lineup this season, showing how impactful his presence is to their winning hopes.
The Nuggets have seen multiple players have extended absences this season. Nikola Jokic has missed 16 games. Peyton Watson is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, missing the last 10 games and is not expected to return anytime soon. Christian Braun spent most of the season out with an injury, playing just 14 of the first 50 games this season.
Hopefully, Gordon is ready in time for their Friday night game against the New York Knicks. He is expected to be out for their Thursday night game against the Los Angeles Lakers, but his potential return is exciting for the fan base and the team.