The NBA’s Most Underrated Player Is in Denver—and It’s Not Jamal Murray, It’s Aaron Gordon’s Perfect Impact
When the Denver Nuggets pulled off the trade for Aaron Gordon in 2021, many fans and analysts fixated on the numbers that might come with the acquisition. They expected a stat-stuffer, someone who would explode on the scoreboard night after night. But what Denver actually found was something far more valuable: the perfect puzzle piece to complement their superstar Nikola Jokić and elevate the entire team’s dynamics. Aaron Gordon, often overshadowed by the flashier names like Jamal Murray or the triple-double magic of Jokic, quietly emerged as the true heartbeat of the Nuggets’ championship machine.
From the moment Gordon arrived, it was clear this wasn’t about raw stats. Denver didn’t need another scorer; they needed versatility, defense, and basketball IQ — all of which Gordon brought in abundance. His impact transcended the traditional box score metrics and ventured into the intangible realm where winning truly happens.
Defensively, Aaron Gordon has become a nightmare matchup for the opposing stars. Whether it’s guarding LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, or any other elite scorer, AG locks them down with relentless effort and smarts. He’s not just a body on the court; he reads plays, anticipates passes, and stays disciplined in a way that frustrates even the most talented offensive players. His ability to switch seamlessly across multiple positions—from forward to small-ball center—gives Denver’s defense a flexibility that few teams can replicate. This adaptability is key in today’s NBA, where positional fluidity is a premium.
But defense is only half the story. Aaron Gordon’s offensive game complements Nikola Jokić’s unique playmaking style perfectly. Gordon excels at moving without the ball, cutting crisply and timing his runs to catch those precision passes from Jokic. His understanding of spacing and timing helps keep defenses honest. If opponents sag off him, he’s ready to punish them with timely three-pointers, which are never flashy but always effective. He hits just enough threes to keep defenders honest without relying on volume shooting, allowing him to focus on his other strengths.
Gordon’s physicality and post-up skills have also been crucial. When mismatches arise, he punishes smaller defenders with his strength and savvy, carving out scoring opportunities that chip away at opponents’ defenses. His ability to finish around the rim is smooth, almost effortless, which adds a crucial layer to Denver’s offense that opponents have struggled to contain.
When the Nuggets made their title run, Aaron Gordon stepped up at every critical moment. He wasn’t just a role player; he was a key contributor, often shouldering significant responsibility. In the NBA Finals, Gordon dropped 27 points in a pivotal game, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes were highest. That performance wasn’t a fluke—it was a testament to how integral he has become to the Nuggets’ success.
Nikola Jokić might rightfully earn MVP accolades, and Jamal Murray might be hailed as the closer who delivers in crunch time, but neither can function without the balance and stability Aaron Gordon provides. He’s the glue that binds this team’s championship chemistry. His presence on the floor elevates everyone around him and creates the kind of synergy that championship teams rely on.
In a league obsessed with flashy stats and highlight-reel plays, Aaron Gordon’s quiet but powerful impact is often overlooked. Yet, the Denver Nuggets’ run to the top of the NBA was built on the foundation he helped create. Far from the spotlight, he consistently performs the dirty work, the smart plays, and the timely contributions that make the difference between a good team and a champion.
If you want to understand why the Nuggets are such a formidable force today, look no further than Aaron Gordon — the NBA’s most underrated player who perfectly fits beside Nikola Jokić and carries Denver’s championship machine forward.
