3 Ways Denver Nuggets Could Replace Aaron Gordon for game 7

Nuggets star Aaron Gordon has been ruled out of the crucial Game 7 matchup against the Thunder leaving a huge gap for his side to fill quickly.

3 Ways Denver Nuggets Could Replace Aaron Gordon for game 7

Aaron Gordon (Image by FirstSportz)

In their pivotal Game 7 matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Denver Nuggets are probably going to be missing a key member of their roster. Forward Aaron Gordon is expected to miss the crucial game due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Gordon has been looking into every possibility of suiting up, but it’s looking less and less likely that he’ll be able to play.

This blow leaves a huge gap for the Nuggets and their interim head coach, David Adelman, to fill going into this crucial matchup. To make matters worse, Gordon had the best input for the Nuggets throughout this series against the Thunder, which makes it more difficult to replace him. However, Adelman and Co. do have backup plans in this situation.

The likes of Christian Braun, Russell Westbrook, Peyton Watson, and Michael Porter Jr. will be assessed to replace Gordon for the important Game 7 against the Thunder. So, without wasting any time, let us look at the 3 ways the Nuggets could replace Aaron Gordon for Game 7 against the Thunder:

1. Put Peyton Watson in for Aaron Gordon (Defensive Versatility)

Peyton Watson offers some of the same physical skills Gordon uses on defense because he is 6’8″ and has a lengthy wingspan. Watson has demonstrated his ability to manage tasks against players such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Anthony Edwards. He is a nuisance in passing lanes because of his intuition and motor. Like Gordon, he doesn’t demand the ball. As a result, Jokic and Murray can lead the attack with minimal interference.

It also affects the game from a defensive standpoint. Denver can still efficiently protect 1–4 while maintaining its switchability. But the Nuggets’ offensive options are limited. When it comes to attacking, Watson is unpolished. In half-court setups, Denver is easier to defend since he lacks Gordon’s cutting timing and rim-finishing skills.

2. Go Small with Christian Braun in the Starting Lineup

Christian Braun has been a reliable member of the Nuggets’ squad this year. If Braun were to take Gordon’s position in Game 7, he would contribute significantly. Braun gives the Nuggets three things: defense, hustle, and playoff experience (as a 2023 NBA champion). He can guard several spots and is also a good perimeter defender. Braun is also a great transition player, which helps him stay up with the Thunder’s athletic wings.

At pivotal points, Braun’s energy might shift momentum. He may tilt a quarter in Denver’s favor if he makes his typical high-effort plays and makes 1-2 three-pointers. Additionally, Denver can spread out the floor with four shooters surrounding Jokic, this would be possible if Michael Porter Jr. moves to the power forward position, something that David Adelman would give a thought.

3. Go Offense-Heavy: Slide MPJ to the Four, Start Julian Strawther or Justin Holiday

The Nuggets’ offensive potency would increase by adding Justin Holiday or Julian Strawther. The Thunder are forced to defend the whole perimeter. Because of this, Jokic may play with a completely spaced floor, which could drive someone like Lu Dort or Isaiah Hartenstein away from the rim and neutralize them. Jackson also provides you with a backup shot maker and ball handler, which is helpful if Jamal Murray is being defended.

Overall, the Nuggets prefer fast-paced, high-scoring basketball in the hopes that Jokic and Murray can outplay the Thunder’s defense. This lineup gives up on having a true wing stopper, so the Thunder could exploit mismatches, especially with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Eventually, Aaron Gordon is a defensive anchor, secondary rebounder, and low-usage shooter who excels off cuts and movement plays. If he misses Game 7, the Denver Nuggets will lose one of their most vital two-way players. Hence, it is not an easy task to replace him.

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