Aaron Gordon Emerges as Shooting Threat for Nuggets

The forward's dedication to improving his jump shot has made him a more versatile offensive weapon.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:07pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game in motion, with players and the ball broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.Aaron Gordon's relentless pursuit of self-improvement has transformed him into a more versatile offensive threat, elevating the Denver Nuggets' championship aspirations.Denver Today

Aaron Gordon's recent clutch performances, including a game-tying three-pointer against the Portland Trail Blazers, showcase his remarkable transformation as a shooter. Once known primarily for his athleticism and defense, Gordon has worked tirelessly to expand his offensive game, particularly his three-point shooting, which has now become a legitimate weapon for the Denver Nuggets.

Why it matters

Gordon's shooting development has made the Nuggets' offense even more difficult to defend, as opponents can no longer sag off him and must account for him as a perimeter threat. This added dimension complements the brilliance of the team's core players like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, potentially elevating the Nuggets to championship contender status.

The details

Despite being a career 32% three-point shooter before joining the Nuggets, Gordon has shot 35% or better from beyond the arc in three of the last four seasons, including nearly 38% in the playoffs. Coach Michael Malone has praised the 'effortless' and 'calm' changes in Gordon's shooting mechanics, which have transformed him into a genuine offensive weapon.

  • In the recent overtime game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Gordon hit a clutch game-tying three-pointer to force overtime.
  • Over the past four seasons, Gordon has significantly improved his three-point shooting percentage, making him a more versatile offensive threat.

The players

Aaron Gordon

A forward for the Denver Nuggets who has worked tirelessly to expand his offensive game, particularly his three-point shooting, making him a more valuable and versatile player.

Nikola Jokic

The star center for the Denver Nuggets, whose brilliance has been complemented by Gordon's improved shooting, making the Nuggets' offense even more difficult to defend.

Jamal Murray

The star guard for the Denver Nuggets, whose play has also benefited from Gordon's shooting development, as defenses must now account for Gordon as a perimeter threat.

Michael Malone

The head coach of the Denver Nuggets, who has praised the 'effortless' and 'calm' changes in Gordon's shooting mechanics that have transformed him into a genuine offensive weapon.

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What they’re saying

“It's a life's work.”

— Aaron Gordon

“It's effortless, it's calm.”

— Michael Malone, Head Coach, Denver Nuggets

“He's adapted and sacrificed for the team.”

— Jamal Murray, Guard, Denver Nuggets

What’s next

The Nuggets will look to continue their strong playoff push, with Gordon's improved shooting providing an additional offensive weapon to complement their star players.

The takeaway

Aaron Gordon's transformation from an athletic phenom to a more complete offensive threat, driven by his relentless dedication and a growth mindset, is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through hard work and a willingness to continuously improve one's skills. His evolution has made the Nuggets' offense even more versatile and difficult to defend, potentially elevating the team to championship contender status.