Nuggets’ Aaron Gordon Fired Up for New Season: ‘We Got Better’
As a seasoned news reporter, I’ve seen my fair share of pre-season hype. But the energy from the Denver Nuggets’ camp, particularly from Aaron Gordon, is unique. The air is excited as the team gears up for another shot at the NBA glory.
Gordon, now 29, is entering his eleventh NBA season and fifth with the Nuggets. He’s no longer just the high-flying dunk contest phenom – he’s a champion, a vital piece of a winning machine. “I think I’ve matured a lot,” Gordon told Nuggets.com. “I’ve become more of a consistent, disciplined, and harder worker.”
This summer, Gordon didn’t rest on his laurels. He hit the gym hard, focusing on his jump shot. From beyond the arc to mid-range fadeaways, AG left no stone unturned. His dedication to improvement could be the x-factor that helps Denver defend its title.
But it’s not just about personal glory for Gordon. He’s driven by a deep desire to see his teammates succeed. “Winning inspires me,” he said on Media Day. “And then what inspires me is my people, partners, team, brothers.”
Gordon’s bond with superstar Nikola Jokić is the stuff of highlight reels. Their alley-oop connection has become one of the NBA’s most exciting plays. Last season, only the Lakers’ duo of Anthony Davis and LeBron James produced more assisted baskets near the rim. Gordon’s 171 dunks ranked sixth in the league, accounting for nearly a quarter of his total baskets.
Playing alongside Jokić has been a game-changer for Gordon. “It’s straightforward right away,” he explained. “If you know the game and you think the game, it’s so easy to play with Nikola. The hardest thing about it is just keeping up with his IQ.”
As a veteran, Gordon now finds himself in a mentoring role. With young talents like DaRon Holmes II, Hunter Tyson, and Julian Strawther on the roster, his experience is invaluable. His advice to younger players? “You’ve got to work hard away from the team. You can’t just rely on the team to get better because you have practice.”
Off the court, Gordon finds balance through fly-fishing, beach days, and reading. He enjoys books like Robert Greene’s “48 Laws of Power.” Denver’s laid-back vibe suits him perfectly. “My favorite part about being in Denver is how family-oriented it is,” he shared. “Just the community, the people.”
Gordon’s connection to the Denver community runs deep. This summer, he held a pop-up event in the RiNo district, selling designer clothes at discounted prices and connecting with fans. “It was cool just to invite everyone into my lounge downtown, sign autographs, and be around the community,” he said on Media Day.
As the new season approaches, expectations are sky-high for the defending champions. The Nuggets made some big moves in the offseason, adding future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook and versatile big man Dario Šarić. Gordon couldn’t be more excited about the team’s prospects.
“Love them. Love them. Love them. Love them. We got better,” Gordon said confidently. While acknowledging the departure of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jeff Green, he believes the team has only strengthened.
The Nuggets enter the 2024-25 season as one of the favorites to win it all again. With Gordon’s continued growth, Jokić’s brilliance, and the influx of new talent, Denver looks poised for another deep playoff run.
As the leaves change in the Mile High City, one thing is clear: Aaron Gordon and the Nuggets are hungry for more. The NBA better watch out – this team isn’t satisfied with just one championship. They’re coming for another and might have the pieces to pull it off.