3 Nuggets whose stocks are skyrocketing, 2 that are fading fast
By Tyler Watts
Stock skyrocketing: Aaron Gordon
Gordon’s scoring is down slightly from last season. He has made just seven of his first 22 3-point attempts and is shooting 58.1 percent from the free throw line, but the 6’8 forward continues to be a key piece for the Nuggets.
He defends multiple positions, makes plays, and is the glue that makes Denver a title contender. Yes, Nikola Jokic is the best player in the world, but Gordon is a key piece of everything the Nuggets do.
The 28-year-old is in his prime and shining through the first 11 games. He averages 14.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 32.5 minutes each night. Gordon is shooting 56.4 percent from the field and has picked up his scoring and rebounding since Jamal Murray went down.
Gordon’s strength and versatility have been crucial in the early going. He has not found his jumper but is impacting the game in so many ways. Three of the four players the 6’8 forward has guarded most this season are Kawhi Leonard, Zion Williamson, and LeBron James. He never shies away from the toughest matchup. Gordon held Kawhi and Zion to a combined five of 19 from the field in the two contests, according to NBA Stats.
Aaron Gordon has been fantastic to begin the season and the best is still yet to come. He will score more, keep up the defense, and be a two-way force that helps Denver make another deep run.