Aaron Gordon is having a career season for the Nuggets, and Mike Singer of The Denver Post (subscriber link) writes that the veteran forward has a compelling case to make his first All-Star appearance.
Gordon’s traditional stats — 17.5 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.9 SPG and 0.8 BPG through 29 games (30.0 MPG) — are all solid, if unspectacular. However, as Singer details, the 27-year-old’s efficiency (61.1 FG%, 68.0 2PT%, 39.0 3PT%, 66.9 true shooting percentage), defense, and synergy with center Nikola Jokic are what really stand out.
Singer also notes that Gordon is playing for one of the top teams in the league, which might matter to coaches (who select the All-Star reserves) — the Nuggets are currently 22-12, tied for the best record in the West.
Gordon (right shoulder strain) will return to the starting lineup on Friday against Miami following a two-game absence, tweets Singer.
Here’s more from the West:
- With Nuggets forward Jeff Green sidelined for at least three more weeks due to a left hand fracture and left finger sprain, forward/center Zeke Nnaji has an opportunity to earn increased playing time. The former first-round pick plans to do the “dirty work” to help fill Green’s void, according to Singer (subscriber link). Head coach Michael Malone has a straightforward task for Nnaji. “I just want to feel Zeke’s energy out there,” Malone said.
- The Kings announced that head coach Mike Brown has cleared the health and safety protocols and will resume his coaching duties on Friday against Utah, tweets James Ham of ESPN 1320 and TheKingsBeat.com. Brown entered the protocols on Tuesday, so his stint was brief. The Kings have been a pleasant surprise thus far, currently holding an 18-15 record, the No. 7 seed in the West.
- Mavericks big man Christian Wood will be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. How much will he make on his next contract? Keith Smith explores that topic in an article for Spotrac, ultimately concluding that Wood’s maximum extension number — about $77MM over four years — seems pretty fair. He’d be eligible for more than that if he reaches unrestricted free agency.
AG deserves to be an All-Star this year. I think if it’s between him and Lauri though, it’s going to be Lauri because the game is in Utah. Go Nuggets!
I mean apart that Lauri is having a totally spectacular season & AG is just playing solid hoops… Lauri is the top man in his team, AG still is the #4 guy in DEN… so if it comes between this 2 guys, well, Lauri always gets in there, just my opinion!
AG is more like the 2nd/3rd option. Murray still rounding into form and MPJ is basically a spot up shooter at this point. I know you like him, but he has no handle, no shot creation, no explosiveness at the rim. He’s like a better rebounding Duncan Robinson.
If John Collins is 25 million, then I’d think Wood will garner atleast 4 years 100 million, or there about. If he continues being one of the go-to-guy’s in Dallas throughout the season. Dallas should sign & trade him, if nothing else.
Wood has been looking for a big payday. Since he left the Pistons.
Truth is he has gotten better. His D keeps improving. And that makes him a very nice big. He’s capable of 20 n 10, 34 mins. Gives you good D. That’s worth good money.