Nuggets' Championship Hopes Hinge on Aaron Gordon's Health

Mounting injuries to key players threaten to derail Denver's title aspirations

Feb. 6, 2026 at 4:15pm

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The Denver Nuggets' championship dreams are in jeopardy as the health of forward Aaron Gordon continues to be a major concern. Gordon, a key two-way player for the Nuggets, has dealt with multiple hamstring and calf issues over the past nine months, raising questions about his long-term availability and the team's ability to make a deep playoff run.

Why it matters

Gordon's absence could be devastating for the Nuggets, who rely on his versatile skillset on both ends of the floor. As one of the few plus-defenders on the roster, Gordon's ability to guard multiple positions and provide scoring punch is crucial to the team's success. Without him, the Nuggets' championship aspirations could be in serious jeopardy.

The details

The Nuggets have already dealt with a rash of injuries to key players, including Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Cam Johnson, and Jonas Valanciunas. Gordon's latest hamstring setback, which will likely keep him out until March, adds to the team's mounting health concerns. The Nuggets' decision to play Jokic 45 minutes in an overtime loss to the Knicks has also raised questions about the team's load management strategies.

  • Gordon re-injured his hamstring after playing on back-to-back nights in early February.
  • The Nuggets announced on Friday that Peyton Watson (hamstring) will be re-evaluated in a month.

The players

Aaron Gordon

A key two-way player for the Denver Nuggets who has dealt with multiple hamstring and calf issues over the past nine months, raising concerns about his long-term availability and the team's championship aspirations.

Nikola Jokic

The Nuggets' All-Star center, who the team played for 45 minutes in an overtime loss to the Knicks, raising questions about load management strategies.

Jamal Murray

The Nuggets' other All-Star, who the team needs healthy alongside Jokic to make a deep playoff run.

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What they’re saying

“Without Aaron Gordon the Nuggets do not look like a champion.”

— Troy Renck, Author (denverpost.com)

“Watching the Nuggets against the Thunder, Pistons and Knicks, one unnerving conclusion became obvious: There is no way Denver wins16 playoff games without Gordon.”

— Troy Renck, Author (denverpost.com)

What’s next

The Nuggets will need to closely monitor Gordon's recovery and ensure he is fully healthy before returning to the court, as his long-term availability is crucial to the team's championship aspirations.

The takeaway

The Nuggets' championship dreams hinge on the health of Aaron Gordon, a versatile two-way player whose absence could be devastating for the team. The Nuggets must find a way to manage the mounting injuries to their key players, including Jokic and Murray, in order to make a deep playoff run.