Denver Nuggets power forward Aaron Gordon is expected to be out for several weeks due to a strained right calf, according to two people familiar with the injury who spoke to The Associated Press.
The sources, who asked to remain anonymous, shared the information on Tuesday since the full details of the injury have not yet been released. Gordon left Monday’s win against Toronto in the first quarter and did not return to the game.
His absence is a significant loss for the Nuggets, especially as they have also been without guard Jamal Murray, who has been in concussion protocol for the last two games.
Gordon is averaging 15.4 points and 6.7 rebounds this season while playing 30 minutes per game.
The 29-year-old Gordon signed a four-year, $133 million contract extension just before the season started. He was a key player for the Nuggets when they won their first NBA championship in the 2022-23 season.
Originally drafted by Orlando with the fourth overall pick in 2014, Gordon was traded to the Nuggets in March 2021. Since then, he has become a fan favorite with his powerful dunks and play around the rim.
Before this season, Gordon changed his jersey number to No. 32 in honor of his brother, Drew, who tragically passed away last spring in a car accident in Oregon.
