David Adelman: Aaron Gordon recovery ‘day-by-day thing’ now

Feb 24, 2026 9:43 PM

The Denver Nuggets have faced a steady stream of injuries throughout the season, affecting several starters as well as key rotation contributors.

Despite those setbacks, head coach David Adelman remains hopeful that the team’s health situation will soon improve.

Speaking with reporters, Adelman said he believes the roster could be close to full strength with roughly 20 games remaining on the regular-season schedule, according to Ryan Blackburn of Mile High Sports.

Denver is set to play its 62nd game of the season Monday in Utah.

If the coach’s timeline proves accurate, players currently sidelined, including Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson, both recovering from hamstring injuries, could potentially return within the next week or so.

However, Blackburn noted that sources suggest a slightly longer recovery window may be more realistic, possibly placing their returns two to three weeks away.

Adelman also shared an encouraging update regarding Gordon’s rehabilitation progress.

According to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, the veteran forward participated extensively in Tuesday’s practice session, taking part in most activities aside from physical contact drills.

“He got up and down (the court). We did some situational defensive drills. He was a part of that,” Adelman said. “But it’s just gonna be a day-by-day thing. … Aaron’s been great. He’s understood the process.”

Gordon has not played since January 23 after being diagnosed with a right hamstring strain that initially carried a recovery timeline of four to six weeks.

Watson, meanwhile, has been sidelined since February 4 due to a left hamstring strain and is expected to undergo reevaluation in early March as the Nuggets continue monitoring his recovery.