Nuggets' Aaron Gordon: 'Working My Ass Off to Maximize' Nikola Jokić's Time in NBA

Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon is focused on remaining an ideal frontcourt partner for three-time MVP Nikola Jokić.

"I think Nikola Jokić is probably going to go down as one of the best to ever play the game," Gordon said, per ESPN's Baxter Holmes. "[I'm] working my tail off, working my ass off to maximize his time in the NBA."

The 29-year-old has been with Denver since March 2021, as he was acquired in a trade with the Orlando Magic. While his long-range accuracy has fluctuated, his defensive versatility and off-ball movement have made him an importance piece next to Jokić on both ends of the court.

In 241 games played with the Nuggets, Gordon is averaging 14.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 0.7 steals per game on 54.2/32.1/66.5 shooting splits. He played a crucial role on Denver's championship-winning team in 2023, shooting 60.4 percent from the field and 55.6 percent from behind the arc during the team's five-game NBA Finals victory over the Miami Heat.

The duo of Jokić and Gordon has continued to stay effective despite the Nuggets' second-round playoff exit in 2024. Denver had a plus-10.9 net rating in the 2,001 minutes they shared the floor last season, higher than the team's overall net rating of plus-5.5 (via NBA.com).

With the Nuggets attempting to bounce back and contend for a title once again during the 2024-25 season, Gordon is committed to maximizing the potential of his superstar teammate.