Nuggets rule out Aaron Gordon for up to six weeks after hamstring setback
nuggets-rule-out-aaron-gordon-for-up-to-six-weeks-after-hamstring-setback
Denver forward Aaron Gordon is expected to miss another four to six weeks after re-injuring his right hamstring during the Jan. 26 game in Milwaukee, the Nuggets said. The strain is a recurrence of the injury he first suffered in November, limiting him to 23 appearances this season.
“That’s a very unselfish person in Aaron, and being able to help his teammates and win games is a big part of who he is,” acting head coach David Adelman told reporters. “So he’s where he should be emotionally—frustrated.”
Gordon had returned earlier in January under a minutes restriction and came off the bench for several contests while ramping up. He logged 33 minutes on the first night of last week’s back-to-back before exiting in the fourth quarter against the Bucks. An MRI was delayed when the club was stranded in Memphis by a blizzard, Adelman said.
If his recovery lasts the full six weeks, the 28-year-old would be out until mid-March. Adelman indicated the team may act conservatively once Gordon is cleared: “I’m more concerned about him—just him having to restart this whole process.”
Nuggets notes
Nikola Jokić: The two-time MVP picked up early fouls Friday but still produced a record-setting line in 25 minutes, aiding Adelman’s effort to keep him on a minutes cap after a 16-game absence. “At most, he probably would have played three more minutes,” the coach said.
Peyton Watson: With Michael Porter Jr. dealt to Brooklyn for Cameron Johnson in the offseason, Watson has moved into a larger role and is averaging more than 20 points per game over the past month. Team observers view the 21-year-old as either a future cornerstone or a valuable trade chip.
Christian Braun: The second-year guard, sidelined since Jan. 9 by a sprained left ankle, has been upgraded to doubtful for Sunday’s matchup with Oklahoma City.
Source: Hoops Rumors
