Aaron Gordon's Return Could Boost Nuggets' Title Hopes

0:00From NBA coverage, this is your March 4th update. Aaron Gordon has missed 39 of the Denver Nuggets 62 games this season due to a right hamstring injury. The 30-year-old Ford first strained it back in late November and re-aggravated it in late January. Now, sources say he's aiming to return for Friday's home matchup against the New York Knicks, though the team will decide on clearance. The Nuggets have dealt with several key injuries this year, including time away for three-time MVP, Nicola Jokin. Without Gordon, their defense has dropped to 21st in the league, a far cry from championship levels. Teams at win titles rarely rank that low defensively. Gordon fills a vital role next to Jokey and Jamal Murray, boosting both ends of the floor. Denver traded for him three years ago from Orlando to shore up their perimeter defense against top stars. His versatility has been key to their success. Stats back up his impact this season. With Gordon on the court, the Nuggets defense allows nearly eight fewer points per 100 possessions

1:02than without him. He was also scoring at a career-best pace before the injury, including a 50-point outburst early on. If Gordon stays healthy and others like Watson and Cam Johnson return soon, Denver could climb back into serious contention. Otherwise, their flaws might keep them from repeating as champions. This episode is supported by our sponsor, see details in the description. Some Chase piece. I put my head in it as well.