Aaron Gordon has been a leader in a variety of ways for Denver.
Aaron Gordon has had worse injury luck than most players this season, even amongst the already injury-addled Denver Nuggets.
Still, whether Gordon is off the court or on the court, he has remained to be a leader for the team and someone who can set the tone and determine the energy of the squad.
Even during the times that he was sidelined with injuries this season, Gordin has been able to be a vocal leader for the team who can advise them on where they need to go or pick up the energy when they need.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) prepares to pass the ball over San Antonio Spurs guard De'aaron Fox (4) in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesGordon and Vibes
"I curate the vibes. I bring the vibes," Gordon said (via Nuggets). "It's just nice to be back out there with the guys. They hear my voice so much when I'm off the floor, so it's nice for them to show them what I'm talking about."
That vibe-setting obviously translates to the court as well. Now that Gordon has been able to be back and playing with his teammates, the way that he's been able to dicate the energy of his teammates has been palpable.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) walks off the floor after a foul during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Ball Arena. Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn ImagesMissing Gordon for as long as the Nuggets have has had the biggest impact on their season by far. Not only can he bring an extra level of energy on the court, but his versatility when it comes to actually applying him to the offense has been one of Denver's biggest assets throughout his time with the team.
Leadership in a Variety of Ways
Still, the fact that he's been able to bring his veteran leadership to the team whether he's on or off the court is a huge asset to the Nuggets and having that steadiness from him is surely a reason they've been able to weather so many storms when it comes to losing players or trying out new rotations.
The Nuggets will rely on Gordon and his vibes more than ever when it comes to the playoffs. That's the time when energy becomes the most important and with the way that Gordon is able to curate a vibe, as he put it, is exactly the kind of intangible skill that will be tested when put up against the league's other best teams.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) drives to the basket against Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) and Jordan Goodwin (23) at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesWhether it's his physicality, scoring or defense on the court or his leadership on the court or his energy when he's sidelined, Gordon always finds a way to be effective for the Nuggets.
They've needed him throughout his time in Denver for those exact reasons and it's they'll continue to rely on him as the Nuggets fight for another championship.