Denver Nuggets power forward Aaron Gordon left last night’s game just over four minutes into the first quarter with what was called a right calf strain. He was questionable to return but never did come back, and the Nuggets were forced to play without him.
It turns out the strain might have been a bit more severe than Gordon and the Nuggets hoped.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Gordon will now miss “multiple weeks” with a right calf strain.
Injury blow to Denver: Nuggets F Aaron Gordon will miss multiple weeks due to a right calf strain, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/i26gkpNqz6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 5, 2024
It may sound like just two rotation players are out, but it’s a major loss for the Nuggets in the short term. For a roster that’s as shallow as Denver’s in consistent and trusted contributors, any games played without Gordon and Murray going forward are going to be difficult. Murray should be back soon, but if Gordon’s absence is prolonged, that’s a major issue.
The Nuggets starting power forward agreed to a contract extension just before the regular season began in mid-to-late October. In his first six games before getting injured in the seventh, Gordon was averaging 17.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Gordon’s shooting was also surprisingly accurate early, shooting 55.5% from three-point range and 84.6% from the free throw line.
Now, the Nuggets are forced to pivot, and there’s a number of ways the Nuggets can go. Assuming Murray is back in short order, the starting lineup will likely feature Peyton Watson joining Murray, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr., and Nikola Jokic. Watson started the season slow but showed up big time as Gordon’s replacement last night with 16 points, three rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Watson also hit a big corner three in the clutch, a moment, perhaps, that will propel Watson’s confidence forward this season.
Here’s an example rotation with Gordon out after Murray returns:
If the Nuggets wanted to go with a larger rotation, they certainly could. Dario Saric would be a good candidate to reenter the rotation after a two-game stint on the bench. DeAndre Jordan filled in for a short time at backup center last night. Perhaps the Nuggets try Vlatko Čančar once he returns from an ankle sprain.
Whatever the case, this is a dangerous time for the Nuggets. The young players off the bench in particular will be asked to step up. Expect Peyton Watson, Hunter Tyson, and Zeke Nnaji to see an immediate increase in minutes. Maybe seeing Denver’s younger rotation players in action will be good for Denver’s future playoff prospects.
Whatever the case, losing Gordon is tough. Denver can overcome his absence, but the strain it places on Nikola Jokic in particular will be difficult. Jokic will be tasked with helping the integration of several players in new roles. He already appears overwhelmed at times by the sheer amount of change. Will this be too much for the three-time MVP? Or will it soon be a fourth award for Jokic since he often carries a heavy burden extremely well?
We will find out over the next 10 games.