Curious about Aaron Gordon’s recent absence from the court? The Denver Nuggets star forward, known for his defensive prowess and chemistry with Nikola Jokic, left fans concerned after exiting a critical game against the Phoenix Suns due to an injury. His sudden departure has sparked questions about his health and availability moving forward.
Here’s an in-depth look at how Aaron Gordon’s injury occurred, the recovery timeline, and what this means for the Nuggets’ season.
How did Aaron Gordon get injured?
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon suffered an injury during the team’s Christmas Day matchup against the Phoenix Suns.
Early in the third quarter, Gordon felt tightness in his right calf. He remained in the locker room after halftime for further assessment. This is concerning, as he had previously missed games this season with a similar calf strain. There are fears he may have re-aggravated the injury.
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone explained the incident. Gordon expressed discomfort, saying he felt his calf was close to a severe strain. Malone decided to remove him from the game as a precaution. Before exiting, Gordon had seven points and three rebounds in 19 minutes of play.
When will Aaron Gordon return to play for NBA?
Aaron Gordon’s return timeline remains uncertain as the Nuggets await further evaluations.
According to Malone, the team will monitor Gordon’s condition over the next 24 to 48 hours (via Sports Illustrated). This evaluation will help determine the severity of the injury and guide the recovery plan. The organization remains cautiously optimistic but is prepared for a longer absence if needed.
Calf injuries are persistent and can sideline players for weeks, especially when re-aggravated. Gordon previously needed nearly a month to recover from a similar strain. Denver may take a similarly conservative approach this time to ensure his long-term health. This strategy emphasizes having him ready for the playoffs rather than risking complications now.
Aaron Gordon is vital to the Nuggets’ success. His defensive skills, rebounding, and chemistry with Nikola Jokic in the two-man game make him indispensable. While his absence creates challenges, the Nuggets will likely rely on their depth. A cautious recovery timeline will help protect one of their key players.
