Denver Nuggets: 3 ways Aaron Gordon helps the team
By Liam Clark
3 ways Aaron Gordon helps the Denver Nuggets: Defensive capabilities
While Denver has already had amazing offensive capabilities, they have struggled on the defensive end in big games. The Nuggets can match their big opponents offensively, however they have not had a player who can defend stars such as LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard.
As mentioned by Forbes writer Joel Rush, the Nuggets have struggled on defense ever since the major losses in free agency last offseason, and have needed a player to make up for their lack of size.
Rush via Forbes:
"“…the hit Denver’s defense took with the loss of Jerami Grant, Mason Plumlee and Torrey Craig last offseason became quickly apparent, and the need to replace especially the size, defense and athleticism Grant had brought to the table had become clear and pressing to the point where Connelly finally pulled the trigger on trading Harris.”"
This is where Gordon will become valuable in a deep playoff run, as while he is a good offensive talent, he is also a great two-way player and thrives on the defensive end. His length and athleticism allows him to defend well on the wing, and the ability to switch between the opposing team’s best defender.
Gordon has even commented on his focus on the defensive end during his introductory press conference, with the newly minted Nuggets player knowing that the team is going to ask him to do a lot of work on the defensive end of the floor.
Gordon via Denver Post:
"“Basketball’s a two-way sport,” he said. “I pride myself on defense. My niche coming into the league is a defender. An athlete and a defender. If I can help this team in defending some of the best players in the league, I’m more than happy to. I’m ecstatic to. I know that’s what they’re going to ask me to do, night in and night out.”"
It seems Aaron Gordon is up for the challenge of taking on the biggest defensive tasks during the Nuggets deep playoffs run, and that is exactly what the team will want from him. He is going to make sure the opposing stars have to work hard for their baskets.