Aaron Gordon
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Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets is currently nursing his second hamstring injury of the season.
The Denver Nuggets might have a massive problem on their hands heading into the playoffs regarding Aaron Gordon. The Nuggets are without Gordon since he suffered his second hamstring strain of the season on January 23 against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Gordon initially injured his hamstring in the second round of last season’s playoffs versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was fully healthy heading into the new campaign and even dropped 50 points in the first game of the season.
However, the forward suffered a strained right hamstring on November 21 against the Houston Rockets. He missed 19 consecutive games before returning to the lineup on January 5. He played 10 of the next 12 games before re-aggravating the same hamstring in the win over the Bucks.
ESPN reported near the end of January that Gordon will miss at least four to six weeks because of the injury. That meant he could return at the end of the month or in the middle of March, if things go according to plan.
Nuggets Hit With Gordon Injury Explanation
While the Denver Nuggets are optimistic about Aaron Gordon’s injury recovery, it’s concerning that he has suffered the same injury three times in less than a year.
Dr. Joe Ramos, a medical doctor and personal injury attorney, explained Gordon’s condition in an appearance on Denver Sports 104.3’s Injury Insights with Zach Bye.
“The hamstring is just an incredibly tough injury to overcome,” Ramos said. I’ll be honest, I don’t want to be like the naysayer here. I think that he’s got issues, and he’s got lifelong issues. There’s a lot of stuff that follows these injuries that plague people, and he’s proven that he’s one of those.”
Ramos continued that there could be a genetic component to what is happening to Gordon. If there is a recurrent injury, it’s going to be somehow a regular thing, though he’s still hoping for the best.
“I hope this is not the end for Aaron Gordon,” Ramos added. “I can tell you this: Don’t count on him for playoffs, man. You’re probably looking now at a recurrent injury, takes longer to rehab, to come back from. … If it’s not a complete tear, then it’s just all therapy. That’s it. That’s all they can do for it.”
Gordon won’t have control over what’s happening, but Ramos did suggest looking into PRP treatment and “eccentric” exercises.
Peyton Watson Stepped Up For The Nuggets
Aaron Gordon wasn’t the only Denver Nuggets player to miss a chunk of games this season. Christian Braun has been dealing with a severe ankle sprain, while Cameron Johnson sprained his right knee before Christmas.
Even Nikola Jokic missed a month because of a knee injury, and Jonas Valanciunas suffered a calf strain. Plenty of players stepped up for the Nuggets, but it’s Peyton Watson who has been the breakout star in Denver.
Watson is averaging 17.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.2 blocks since November 21. He’s also shooting 50.2% from the field, 43.8% from 3-point range and 73.0% from the free-throw line. He’s set to become a restricted free agent at the end of the season.