The Nuggets took a tough opening-night loss to the Warriors in overtime on Thursday night, but despite the end result, there were some massive positives. Nothing was more exciting and promising than the continued long-range shooting of Aaron Gordon, who scored 50 points and shot 10-11 from three-point range.
For his career, Gordon has been about a 33% three-point shooter, a guy who can hit a shot when left open, but has never been forcing defenders to fly out to put a hand in his face. But that all seemed to swing last season when AG tweaked his mechanics and showcased a very smooth looking jumper that led to a career high 44% three-point shooting season.
Whether that was a one-off fluke or not, was a major question coming into the season, but if game one is any indication, the Gordon shooting is here to stay. He looked as comfortable as ever, shooting off the catch, off the dribble, coming off screens, and even pulling up.
He looked like a true number one option, sniping threes left and right. There’s nothing fluky-looking about his shot, which truly looks better than ever. Nobody is expecting him to shoot over 90% on threes or hit 10 a game, but the fact that he’s a real threat from the outside who defenses must respect can raise the ceiling of the Nuggets’ offense even higher.
Gordon shooting makes Nuggets’ offense even more versatile
The Nuggets already have the best offensive player in the world in Nikola Jokic and another elite one in Jamal Murray. If Gordon is now a lethal shooter, who can finish plays and create for himself, opponents are going to quickly run out of options.
The Nuggets are definitely going to have some issues, especially on the defensive end, but if AG is a true offensive weapon like this, the offense could be even better than expected. This level of shooting will make it much easier for Denver to play Gordon on the wing and go with a jumbo frontcourt more often.
It’s only one game, but the eye test doesn’t lie, and anyone who has been watching Gordon’s career can tell that his new shot is legit. He deserves all the credit for making this change after such a long career, putting in the work, and transforming his jump shot.
The shift has completely revolutionized the possibilities for the later years of his career, and it has dramatically enhanced the possibilities, both for Gordon and the Nuggets.