One of the key cogs in the wheel that makes the Denver Nuggets go around is Aaron Gordon. When he's healthy and on the court, the Nuggets are at their best. So one of the keys to the season is going to be keeping Gordon healthy, even if that means giving him some load management as the season goes on. Which could be a little easier this year thanks to a little bit more depth behind him.
Gordon's the Nuggets glue guy. Late last year, before the playoffs began, Cameron Johnson even called him the "aura curator." To which Gordon replied that he "brings the vibes." And he most certainly does. Which is why it's imperative to the Nuggets' success that Gordon stays healthy.
He proved how important he is to the Nuggets in their late-season thrilling victory over Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. Mr. Nugget shut down Wemby in the clutch on defense and showed why he's the Nuggets' best defender.
The Nuggets should load-manage Gordon where they can
Obviously, the Nuggets can't sit Gordon out until April. He has to be in game-ready shape and form. But when possible, on either side of the back-to-backs would be great. And there are 14 such occasions to get Gordon rest on those sets for the 2026-27 season.
That could get Gordon down to 68 games right there. He last played that many or more in 2023-24, when he played 73 games. Gordon isn't a "star player" under the NBA's guidelines, so he's allowed to sit out for rest. However, there are still some stipulations and such that the league looks at, so the Nuggets will still have to be careful to avoid any fines or penalties if Gordon sits.
The Nuggets can lean on depth in Gordon's place
Gordon has been limited by soft tissue injuries. His hamstrings and calves have been a problem that's kept him out for 77 games over two years. But the Nuggets have a couple of solid backups for Gordon this year who could be good fill-ins during his load-managed games.
The Nuggets are surprisingly a little deeper at the power forward spot than in years past. This year, they signed Marvin Bagley III in free agency, and he can not only back up Nikola Jokic at the five but also Gordon at the four. Plus, Spencer Jones, with another year of seasoning and a shiny new contract, can potentially be another good backup in Gordon's place.
But at some point, Gordon will have to be load-managed. The Nuggets need him far more in April than they do in February. I'm sure they will, and I hope it keeps Mr. Nugget healthy for a full season.
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