Denver Nuggets’ Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. might be having a worse season. They’re grieving their own losses while still fighting their physical injuries. Gordon recently paid tribute to his late brother, Drew, by switching jersey numbers from 50 to 32. This moving tribute comes in wake of Drew’s tragic passing after a vehicle collision on May 30, 2024, in Clackamas County, Oregon. Drew was only 33 years old when he died. He is survived by his wife Angela and their three sons: Zayne, Brody, Jayden.
As the playoffs continued, both players struggled with enormous adversity. Gordon fought through a Grade 2 hamstring strain. In the end, despite the injury, he had an impressive eight and 11 performances in 25 minutes of action during pivotal postseason contests. His determination shone through as he made two game-winning, buzzer-beating shots during the playoffs, demonstrating his commitment to the team despite personal and physical challenges.
Porter played through the pain of a sprained AC joint in his shoulder. He suffered from drop foot in his left foot, a complication from his earlier back surgeries. He put up an average of just 9.1 points in the playoffs. This is in stark opposition to his gaudy regular season numbers of 18.2 points, 7.0 boards, and 2.1 dimes per contest. In Game 7, he played a shell of himself, with just six points and an 0-for-4 mark from deep.
He acknowledged the difficulties he faced while playing through injury:
“I never said, ‘No.’ There was never a doubt in my mind that I was going to play,” said Gordon, emphasizing his commitment to his teammates.
Porter recently wrote the same when reflecting on his recent health challenges. He explained the difficulty of trying to compete at such a high level with the injuries that took a toll on his body. His shoulder injury did a number on his workout routine and performance.
“I couldn’t sprint. That was tough. I tried to play a real old man game. Anytime I tried to sprint, it probably was going to be at a lot of risk. I gave it my all,” he added.
Despite their profound physical limitations, both players were comforted by their shared friendship and unyielding support of one another through such a challenging season.
“Honestly, looking back, I didn’t think I really helped the team. So, I probably should’ve just let it heal for a few games and then try to come back. That is just not the person I am,” he reflected.
Gordon’s emotional journey this season has been deeply shaped by the loss of his brother. He reflected on the difficulty of having to go up against Drew without him by his side.
“He’s been a great friend to me. I hope he would say the same thing from me to him. He’s just been through a lot of different things on the court and also off the court. But it’s been good to lean on each other a little bit,” Porter stated about Gordon.
Kevin had some tremendous discussion points in terms of NBA player fatigue. He argued for more recovery days between rounds of the playoffs to minimize injury risks.
“I guess just being able to compete this season without my brother by my side… I knew he was with me. I knew he was staying with me,” Gordon said.
Gordon’s head coach, David Adelman, acknowledged the extent of both players’ injuries and their determination to contribute.
“I believe NBA players are suffering ‘fatigue-based injuries,’ and that playoff teams should be given more days off between games,” he expressed.
Both players’ injuries have prompted discussions about player health management within the league, highlighting the need for better support systems for athletes dealing with chronic issues.
“The surgeries he’s had besides this, that guy knows how to play with pain. It’s incredible everything he goes through every night and the amount of pain he’s gone through every season,” Porter remarked about Gordon’s toughness.
As the season heads into its final races, Gordon continues focused on keeping his brother’s memory alive. He fights against his own physical challenges with unapologetic intensity. As a leading advocate of resilience in sportsmanship, he embodies the notion that personal struggles and career obligations can sometimes collide.
“He was extremely close to not playing.”
Both players’ injuries have prompted discussions about player health management within the league, highlighting the need for better support systems for athletes dealing with chronic issues.
As the season comes to a close, Gordon remains focused on honoring his brother’s memory while pushing through his own physical limitations. He exemplifies resilience in sportsmanship, illustrating how personal tribulations can intersect with professional commitments.
Leave a Reply