Nuggets’ Aaron Gordon Will Miss Time After Dog Attack

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 01: Aaron Gordon #50 of the Denver Nuggets warms up before the start of a basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on May 1, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon will be away from the team while he recovers from lacerations to his hands and face. Gordon reportedly sustained the injuries when a dog bit him on Christmas Day.

“He’s hanging in there,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone told reporters Wednesday. “Obviously, a very traumatic experience and the most important thing I told him is that you take as much time as you need. We’re a family — wins, losses, and when people go through tough times like Aaron’s going through right now.”

The Nuggets issued a statement about Gordon’s condition Wednesday, claiming that he required 21 stitches and will not be with the team until at least the new year. The organization did not provide a firm timeframe for his return, though Malone went on to say that he should be right back in the starting lineup when he returns.

“We have his back. We love him. We’re here for him,” Malone said. “So whenever he’s able to come back, we’re going to open our arms up and embrace him. I told all the guys to make sure they’re reaching out to him, to make sure he’s never feeling like he’s on an island.”

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Gordon has been with Denver for more than three seasons and has started his entire run with the team. The 28-year-old is averaging 13.6 points per game in the 2023-24 season, serving a solid complementary role to star teammates Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Malone made it clear that Gordon is a close-knit member of reigning champs. The forward even traveled to Serbia with Jokic to attend a horse racing event this past off-season.

While Gordon is away from the team, Peyton Watson and Christian Braun are expected to get more work off the bench, though this could deplete Denver’s reserves late in games.