Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon won’t play on the workforce’s upcoming three-game street journey due to a proper calf pressure, coach Michael Malone mentioned.
Gordon, 29, has missed the final three video games and has been unable to take part in observe since he requested a substitution 4 minutes into Denver’s win over the Raptors on Nov. 4. He suffered from calf irritation in his proper leg earlier than this match. .
“These calf strains may be actually tough, actually finicky, so it’s a must to watch out how laborious you push them,” Malone mentioned Wednesday as Gordon was getting a shot within the Nuggets’ observe gymnasium. “Since you need it to heal.” I believe Aaron is in a great place. He is stepping into the correct path. … I am simply completely satisfied he is making progress. He’s in a great place mentally. And whereas he was gone, we had been in a position to maintain down the fort. And the blokes are stepping up.
Peyton Watson has crammed Gordon’s position within the beginning lineup throughout his absence, averaging 14 factors, 4.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks during the last three video games. The Nuggets (7-3) have simply come out of a undefeated at residence for 5 matches as they put together to fly to New Orleans on Thursday, forward of their first NBA Cup recreation in opposition to the Pelicans on Friday evening.
Malone mentioned there was no timetable for Gordon’s return Wednesday, eight days after the primary report from ESPN’s Shams Charania and a supply confirmed to Denver Submit that Gordon will miss a number of weeks. The Nuggets will return residence from their three-game street journey simply after two weeks of his absence.
Gordon is averaging 15.4 factors, 6.7 rebounds and three.1 assists on the season, together with a 31-point efficiency at Minnesota on November 1. He was capturing 54.5% from past the arc earlier than the damage, in what was some of the encouraging occasions. developments from Denver’s season thus far. The ability ahead, coveted for his two-way versatility, signed a four-year, $133 million contract extension in October.