Denver Nuggets: 3 reasons to love the Aaron Gordon extension
By Adam Taylor
3 reasons to love the Aaron Gordon extension: A legitimate Big 3
Aaron Gordon was acquired to form a big-3 with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, and now we can be sure that unit is here for the long haul. Honestly, we could potentially be looking at a big-4 if Michael Porter Jr continues on his current developmental trend. At worst, the Denver Nuggets will have Jokic, Murray, and Porter Jr on offense and then switch in Gordon for defense.
The team’s versatility is now stacked. It’s not like this unit has added a new piece, but there’s something to be said about stability and how freeing it is.
Most contending Western Conference teams boast a serious big-3, or in the case of both LA teams, a top-10 pairing. Aaron Gordon ensures the Denver Nuggets have enough additional help defending the wings, and his athletic ability gives the offense another dimension.
Sure, Gordon is at his best when operating in a third-star role, and long-term, that is what both he and the team probably envision for him. But while Jamal Murray continues his recovery, Gordon can step into a secondary option role and feel confident that any struggles will not impact his long-term future with the franchise.
As the season progresses and the rotation reaches full health, the Denver Nuggets starting five will be a fearsome prospect for any team in the league.