After missing 10 games due to a calf strain, the Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon made his return on Sunday, coming off the bench with a minutes restriction and serving as Nikola Jokic’s backup, as reported by Bennett Durando of The Denver Post.
Despite his limited playing time, Gordon proved to be far more effective in the backup center role than Dario Saric, Zeke Nnaji, or DeAndre Jordan, with the Nuggets outscoring the Clippers by 3 points when Jokic was off the court.
This highlights Gordon’s ability to step in and contribute when needed, particularly in a position he doesn’t typically play.
However, Durando notes that while Gordon can fill in effectively as the backup five, he is not a viable long-term option for that role throughout an 82-game season.
Gordon’s usual role alongside Jokic, as a forward in the starting lineup, better utilizes his skills, making it unlikely that he can maintain a backup center role throughout a full season without impacting his overall effectiveness.
Northwest Notes: Timberwolves, Gordon, George, Jazz https://t.co/F8mWUXuTKj pic.twitter.com/BdaxWmioAt
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) December 3, 2024
