News Nuggets Team Notes

[Denver Nuggets]

Aaron Gordon Breaks Silence About Russell Westbrook’s Critics

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Russell Westbrook of the Denver Nuggets didn’t have the best game on Tuesday night, but his teammates have his back and stepped up to defend him.

Following the game, Aaron Gordon spoke on behalf of Westbrook and pushed back against a report that cast a dark shadow over him.

“Earlier, I caught wind of an article that came out about Russell Westbrook in our locker room after Game 2, which was a completely arbitrary article,” Gordon said, via Legion Hoops. “Russ is one of the most talented basketball players that has ever played the game of basketball, and, quite frankly, he’s been great for us all year long. He’s going to continue to be great for us, he’s going to make a huge impact, and he’s going to help us win these next two games.”

Aaron Gordon:

“Russell Westbrook is a great teammate… and he’s gonna help us win the next two games.”

(via @VicLombardi)pic.twitter.com/joIDuczSZo

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 14, 2025

This was a thoughtful and caring response from Gordon, right when Westbrook needed it.

On Tuesday, a report was published that cited an anonymous Nuggets player calling Westbrook “immature.”

Gordon wasn’t buying into that article and instead wanted the world to know how much he values Westbrook.

Throughout his career, Westbrook has amassed his fair share of criticism from fans and analysts who don’t like some of his choices and attitude.

But he is rarely ever called out by fellow players.

In fact, it seems he has a good reputation among the people he has played with, even when he hasn’t performed well.

During Tuesday’s game, Westbrook put up just four points, four rebounds, and three assists.

It wasn’t his best showing, but he has had plenty of good games for the Nuggets, and he has clearly impacted the team’s culture in a positive way.

Gordon’s statement shows that Westbrook has fans on the roster, despite what an inside report has said.

The post Aaron Gordon Breaks Silence About Russell Westbrook’s Critics appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/aaron-gordon-breaks-silence-about-russell-westbrooks-critics/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Notable Stats Reveal How Aaron Gordon Has Been Clutch In Playoffs

(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets has been having an incredible run in the playoffs.

On Friday night, he helped his team reach overtime and then score a gigantic victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

But that wasn’t the first time Gordon produced a big clutch moment for his Nuggets.

According to Bleacher Report, he has done it three times.

In Game 4 against the Los Angeles Clippers, Gordon scored a game-winning dunk tip.

Then, in Game 1 against the Thunder came Gordon’s iconic game-winning three-pointer.

He did it again on Friday with his game-tying three to force overtime, and he might have more in store.

Hell of a playoffs so far for Aaron Gordon:

Game-winning dunk tip to beat Clippers in Game 4

Game-winning three to beat Thunder in Game 1

Game-tying three force OT vs. Thunder in Game 3

AG has been CLUTCH

pic.twitter.com/4n2xrDiN66

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 10, 2025

Gordon wasn’t always seen as a clutch performer.

When he was first signed by the Nuggets, he was viewed as a bigger brute force who could work well in alley-oops and clog up the paint.

He can do that, and he has for years, but his shooting has greatly improved recently.

He has hit a career high with his three-pointers, and these playoffs are proof of that.

This is great news for the Nuggets, because most people assume the team lives and dies depending on how well Nikola Jokic does.

Earlier this season, fans were worried about Denver because it felt like Jokic was the only consistent player on the roster.

Things have changed in a short amount of time, and now Gordon has become one of the most important members of the Nuggets.

He has been playing well from the beginning to the end of games, but his clutch performances have been the most incredible part of this playoff run.

The post Notable Stats Reveal How Aaron Gordon Has Been Clutch In Playoffs appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/notable-stats-reveal-how-aaron-gordon-has-been-clutch-in-playoffs/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Insider Reveals Worrisome Injury Update On Aaron Gordon

(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets will be without one of their best player for Game 7.

According to a report by Shams Charania of ESPN, the Nuggets will likely be without Aaron Gordon for the remainder of the postseason.

The former Orlando Magic PF sustained a Grade 2 hamstring strain, and he will need at least one month to get back on the court.

Reporting for @SportsCenter on Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon expected to need one month to recover from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain: pic.twitter.com/moB2OETJEY

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 18, 2025

Needless to say, this will be a huge blow for this team.

Gordon is a physical force, and he’s instrumental in the team’s rebounding.

He makes up for plenty of Michael Porter Jr.‘s many defensive miscues, all while also wearing out Chet Holmgren with his physicality.

Acquiring Gordon was one of the moves that propelled the Nuggets towards championship contention a couple of years ago.

They’re not as deep as they used to be, and they don’t have someone who can reliably replace him.

Zeke Nnaji will most likely get an extended run, or they could also look to slide Porter to the power forward spot with a smaller lineup.

Whatever the case, this spells trouble for the Nuggets, and it’s the last thing anybody wants to hear ahead of a win-or-go-home game.

You always want to watch the best go against the best, and while the Nuggets could still be able to take down the Oklahoma City Thunder without him, it will always be a shame to wonder how things could’ve been if he had been on the court.

The post Insider Reveals Worrisome Injury Update On Aaron Gordon appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/insider-reveals-worrisome-injury-update-on-aaron-gordon/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

There Is Reportedly A Favorite To Be Next Coach Of Nuggets

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

What a chaotic and complicated season it’s been for the Denver Nuggets.

Now that the dust is settling after their elimination from the playoffs, the team’s front office can get to work at plotting a path forward, including finding a new head coach.

According to Tim MacMahon, a frontrunner has emerged.

MacMahon reported, via Yahoo Sports, that interim coach David Adelman is currently “considered a strong candidate to be promoted to head coach permanently.”

This would be a huge move for Adelman and a true sign that he has the loyalty of the team’s ownership and its players.

Nuggets interim coach David Adelman is considered a strong candidate to be promoted to head coach permanently, per @espn_macmahon. pic.twitter.com/BMa5O4reuc

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 19, 2025

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind for Adelman.

He had been with the Nuggets for years as an assistant coach before being put into the big chair this season after the shocking and sudden firing of Michael Malone.

Adelman was brought in as interim coach at possibly the worst time, with so much on the line and a lot to prove.

When he was promoted, some people thought he wouldn’t be there for long.

They envisioned Adelman working as head coach through the playoffs and then being replaced in the summer by someone with a more seasoned resume.

But the Nuggets did better than some people expected, earning a 7-7 record in the playoffs this year and recently battling hard against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.

That seems to have been enough to earn Adelman the job full-time.

Players like Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon have publicly said how much they like playing for Adelman, which surely helps his cause.

Although other candidates could emerge in the next few weeks, it looks like Adelman is here to stay in Denver.

The post There Is Reportedly A Favorite To Be Next Coach Of Nuggets appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/there-is-reportedly-a-favorite-to-be-next-coach-of-nuggets/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Michael Malone Has Landed A New Job

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets‘ season came to an end when they lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of their second-round playoff series.

Before their postseason began, the organization made waves with a stunning decision to fire head coach Michael Malone.

While the Minnesota Timberwolves and Thunder now get to battle to reach the 2025 NBA Finals, Malone has already secured his next professional venture.

“Former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone is joining ESPN’s coverage for the 2025 NBA Western Conference Finals,” according to DNVR Nuggets, via Courtside Buzz.

BREAKING: Former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone is joining ESPN’s coverage for the 2025 NBA Western Conference Finals.

Thoughts on the hire?

Via. @DNVR_Nuggets pic.twitter.com/ITJio9npXu

— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) May 19, 2025

He is joining “NBA Countdown,” where he will take part in pregame and halftime segments.

Malone brings exceptional basketball intelligence to the broadcast team, and his perspective as a veteran coach offers viewers valuable insights into the strategic elements of the game.

His tenure with the Nuggets spanned several successful seasons, highlighted by the NBA championship in 2023.

However, behind closed doors, the situation in Denver grew increasingly complicated. Multiple sources indicated mounting friction between Malone and general manager Calvin Booth regarding roster construction and team direction.

The tension ultimately led the organization to make the unexpected decision to release both executives from their duties.

During his time in Denver, Malone transformed the Nuggets into a perennial contender, and he likely will attract interest when head coaching positions become available around the league.

The post Michael Malone Has Landed A New Job appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/michael-malone-has-landed-a-new-job/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Details Emerge About Christian Braun’s Massive Contract Extension

(Photo by Tyler McFarland/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)

Christian Braun just finished his third season with the Denver Nuggets and could be on the verge of a massive payday.

ESPN’s Bobby Marks was recently discussing Braun’s future, via Courtside Buzz, and said the young star could be fetching an eye-popping amount in the years ahead.

Marks predicted that Braun’s contract extension with the Nuggets will get him $30 million per year.

He based this on Braun’s output, experience, and the recent extension of Jalen Suggs with the Orlando Magic.

This has Denver fans asking: Is Braun worth about $150 million, or should the Nuggets spend that money on someone else?

REPORT: Christian Braun’s extension number with the Denver Nuggets will be ‘at least’ $30 Million per year

ESPN’s Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) says that — while using an example of Jalen Suggs being signed to a 5-year, $150 Million from Orlando — Braun will get a similar… pic.twitter.com/sgE6bLLUei

— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) May 20, 2025

Braun reached multiple career highs during 2024-25, averaging 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.

He also played in 79 games, proving that he is a young star who can stay healthy for the lengthy and draining season.

In many ways, he is the exact sort of player the Nuggets want to build around: he is healthy, only 24 years old, and is consistently getting better.

But can they really spend $150 million on him over the next few years?

The Nuggets will be contemplating some changes this summer.

They know they want to keep Nikola Jokic and a few other players, but the roster could undergo adjustments.

Most reporting has said they want to keep Braun, but it’ll cost them.

The Nuggets are juggling several choices like this, and it’ll be interesting to find out what direction they take.

Will we see more of Braun with Denver, and how will his major extension limit them with other contract negotiations?

Braun is proving that he’s worth a lot, but is he worth this much?

The post Details Emerge About Christian Braun’s Massive Contract Extension appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/details-emerge-about-christian-brauns-massive-contract-extension/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Colin Cowherd Urges Nuggets To Move Superstar Guard

(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

The season is over for the Denver Nuggets.

Even though they weren’t able to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals, they are still one of the most feared squads in the league.

But change might be on the horizon for the Nuggets, although no one is quite sure how that will look

Speaking with Jason Timpf, Colin Cowherd made a recommendation to the Nuggets: get rid of Jamal Murray.

“I think you do have to examine Jamal Murray. I just think in too many big games, he has injuries. I think it’s time to shuffle the deck. If it was me, I would keep [Aaron] Gordon, [Christian] Braun, [Nikola] Jokic, obviously. I’d move anything else,” Cowherd said, via The Volume.

“I’d move Jamal Murray”@colincowherd & @_JasonLT discuss the Nuggets future after Game 7 loss to Thunder pic.twitter.com/BObAb2Ui47

— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) May 19, 2025

Murray’s injuries have definitely been a problem for the superstar guard.

They have gotten in his way far more often, but he has still had many great games and is a vital part of the lineup.

Timpf pushed back on Cowherd’s idea, saying that Murray has great chemistry with big man Nikola Jokic.

No matter what choices the Nuggets make, they will be built around Jokic, so keeping Murray might be a smart idea.

And moving him could prove to be tricky because he is contracted with the Nuggets through the 2028-29 season.

Any team that takes him on will be carrying his heavy contract, which might make him a tough sell.

Nothing is confirmed, but it feels like the Nuggets will weigh their options and think about shaking things up this summer.

Will we see Murray in a Nuggets uniform next season, or has he played his last game in the Mile High State?

The post Colin Cowherd Urges Nuggets To Move Superstar Guard appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/colin-cowherd-urges-nuggets-to-move-superstar-guard/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Odds Show A Clear Favorite To Land Michael Porter Jr. This Offseason

(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets will probably look a bit different when the next NBA season begins, but no one knows who will be leaving and who will be staying.

However, Michael Porter Jr. has long been a name rumored for a departure from the Nuggets.

Now, according to Bovada, via NBACentral, a few frontrunners have emerged.

The Golden State Warriors currently have the best odds to acquire Porter, at +300.

They are followed by the Chicago Bulls with +400, the Los Angeles Lakers with +600, the Orlando Magic with +700, and the Boston Celtics with +800.

After that, it’s the Los Angeles Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix Suns, and the Toronto Raptors.

The Golden State Warriors are the favorites to land Michael Porter Jr., per @BovadaOfficial

Golden State Warriors +300
Chicago Bulls +400
LA Lakers +600
Orlando Magic +700
Boston Celtics +800
LA Clippers +900
Portland Trailblazers +900
Phoenix Suns +1400
Toronto Raptors +1800 pic.twitter.com/u8E5ElmXzt

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 21, 2025

Porter averaged 18.2 points and 7.0 rebounds in the 2024-25 season.

Those are some of the highest numbers of his career, so why would there be rumors of him leaving Denver?

It may be because he had a tough time in the playoffs this year and only averaged 9.1 points and 5.5 rebounds during those 14 games.

But it might also be due to the fact that the Nuggets don’t have a lot of tradeable assets that they can use to improve their roster.

They obviously want to keep Nikola Jokic, and there are reports stating they will stick with Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Jamal Murray too.

Obviously, all of that could change, but right now it seems that the Nuggets don’t have many options if they are hoping to make trades.

Porter is signed with the Nuggets for the next two seasons, which means any team that takes him will be paying a lot.

But he has shown that when he’s healthy and engaged, he’s one of the best sharpshooting stars in the league, so he could help out any of these teams.

The post Odds Show A Clear Favorite To Land Michael Porter Jr. This Offseason appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/odds-show-a-clear-favorite-to-land-michael-porter-jr-this-offseason/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Michael Malone Turns Heads With Shocking MVP Prediction

(Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Just a few months ago, Michael Malone was head coach of the Denver Nuggets and predicted that his biggest star, Nikola Jokic, would once again be named league MVP.

On Tuesday night, Malone was singing a completely different tune.

A video shared by DNVR Nuggets and others on X featured Malone making his MVP prediction after the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he showed why he’s the MVP,” Malone said.

“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he showed why he’s the MVP.”

pic.twitter.com/kbJz49DeZt

— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) May 21, 2025

Gilgeous-Alexander definitely performed well during Tuesday’s game, putting up 31 points, five rebounds, nine assists, and three steals, shooting 10-of-27 from the floor.

His game wasn’t perfect, but he looked comfortable and driven and was the lead force for his Thunder.

Still, it was surprising to see Malone say this because he was such a proponent of Jokic for years.

Under his leadership, Jokic became the brightest star in the NBA, won a championship, and was named MVP multiple times.

But a lot has changed for Malone over the last few weeks.

He lost his job with the Nuggets and has witnessed them get taken out by the very same Thunder team he was praising on Tuesday.

Some fans accused Malone of speaking about Gilgeous-Alexander this way because he is still upset about losing his job, while others feel he is making the right call.

The NBA still hasn’t announced who the MVP is, but it seems very likely that Gilgeous-Alexander will walk away with that prize.

But no matter what, certain Nuggets fans will remain upset about Malone’s prediction based on his history and working relationship with Jokic.

The post Michael Malone Turns Heads With Shocking MVP Prediction appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/michael-malone-turns-heads-with-shocking-mvp-prediction/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Nuggets Make Decision On Head Coach

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets moved quickly to solidify their coaching situation after a season that ended with both promise and uncertainty.

With a playoff run fresh in their memory, the organization wasted little time making a decision that will shape its immediate future.

Just four days after their season ended with a Game 7 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Nuggets reportedly will retain David Adelman.

“The Denver Nuggets and interim David Adelman have agreed on a deal to make Adelman the franchise’s next head coach, sources tell ESPN,” Shams Charania wrote on X.

The Denver Nuggets and interim David Adelman have agreed on a deal to make Adelman the franchise's next head coach, sources tell ESPN. Adelman went 3-0 in regular season after taking over for Michael Malone and won a playoff series, leading Denver to one win from the West finals. pic.twitter.com/22ctnfhg4J

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 22, 2025

The swift decision shows how much confidence the front office has in the 44-year-old who stepped into a challenging situation after Michael Malone was fired, along with general manager Calvin Booth, days before the end of the regular season.

Taking over the team, Adelman managed to guide Denver within one win of reaching the Western Conference Finals.

His ability to connect with the roster and maintain their competitive edge didn’t go unnoticed by the organization.

The Nuggets chose familiarity over change, opting to promote from within rather than bringing in an outside candidate.

Adelman has been with the franchise since 2017, working on Malone’s staff and developing a deep understanding of the team’s system. This approach signals the organization wants consistency rather than a complete overhaul.

After winning the final three regular-season games, Adelman led the team through an intense seven-game first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The playoff run ended with a loss to the Thunder in the conference semifinals.

The Nuggets face several important decisions this offseason. Beyond evaluating their current roster, they need to fill the vacant general manager position.

The post Nuggets Make Decision On Head Coach appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nuggets-make-decision-on-head-coach/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Insider Reveals What He’s Hearing About Nuggets’ Offseason Plans

(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

Things didn’t pan out for the Denver Nuggets this year.

In fact, it ended up being a season of change and disappointment, and fans are hoping things look much better in 2025-26.

The team’s front office is currently grappling with its choices and attempting to carve a path forward.

According to Sam Amico, the Nuggets organization is “hesitant” to part ways with some of the players who helped them win a championship a few seasons ago.

“So even Nikola Jokic as the main man, the Nuggets still need help. Sources say they’re hesitant to part ways with core members of their 2023 championship team — Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and now, Christian Braun. Obviously, Jokic isn’t going anywhere,” Amico said, per NBACentral.

The Denver Nuggets are reportedly ‘hesitant’ to trade core members of their championship team, per @AmicoHoops

“So even Nikola Jokic as the main man, the Nuggets still need help. Sources say they’re hesitant to part ways with core members of their 2023 championship team — Jamal… pic.twitter.com/UQzuZdse5U

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 22, 2025

It sounds like the Nuggets have limited options right now, but that could change in the months ahead.

They wish to keep their core intact and don’t want to say goodbye to the stars who helped them claim a title.

However, that doesn’t leave them with many choices if they want to pursue trades.

There has been a lot of speculation about Russell Westbrook, but beyond him, there might not be many players leaving Denver.

Of course, the Nuggets might change their mind during the long summer months.

If certain players from other teams become available, Denver might decide to cut ties with Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., or others.

However, one thing is certain: the Nuggets will not be moving Nikola Jokic, who is still considered the future of the team.

Right now, the Nuggets aren’t looking to trade many of their players, but they might feel differently after the sting of their postseason defeat wears off.

The post Insider Reveals What He’s Hearing About Nuggets’ Offseason Plans appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/insider-reveals-what-hes-hearing-about-nuggets-offseason-plans/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Stats Reveal Worrisome Playoff Trend For Russell Westbrook

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Russell Westbrook just ended his first season with the Denver Nuggets, but there are many questions about what’s next for him.

Those questions become even louder when fans dig into Westbrook’s numbers from his team’s series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

According to Kevin O’Connor, Westbrook had a -92 plus-minus rating in the Nuggets/Thunder series.

He averaged 9.9 points, 2.4 assists, and 2.6 turnovers, shooting 34.8 percent from the field and 21.9 percent from the three-point line.

This was not a great series for Westbrook against his former team.

Russell Westbrook finished with a -92 plus/minus in the Nuggets-Thunder series. Final stats:

9.9 PPG
34.8 FG%
21.9 3P%
2.4 AST
2.6 TOV

Another volatile series for Russ. pic.twitter.com/fNN8aPByIw

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) May 18, 2025

For the season, Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists for the Nuggets.

Naturally, there were a lot of worries about Westbrook when he signed with Denver but he did an admirable job of both coming off the bench and starting in games.

He made his fair share of mistakes, but he also brought a level of intensity and commitment that fans were happy to see.

Still, it will be hard to forget these numbers from this Thunder series, and they might have a massive impact on Westbrook’s future.

He has hopped around the league over the last few years, playing for the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, and now the Nuggets.

He has had a tough time settling down for too long, and his loyal fans were hoping that would change with the Nuggets.

But Westbrook has been non-committal about what’s next for him, and there is a chance he could be moving on to yet another franchise in the months ahead.

If he has played his last game for the Nuggets, fans will have a difficult time forgetting how poorly he did against the Thunder.

And if he comes back in the fall, he will have to work hard to redeem himself.

The post Stats Reveal Worrisome Playoff Trend For Russell Westbrook appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/stats-reveal-worrisome-playoff-trend-for-russell-westbrook/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Nikola Jokic Praises Aaron Gordon After Playing Through Injury In Game 7

(Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets weren’t able to get it done on Sunday, losing 125-93 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals and ending their season.

The game featured several stars trying their hardest but facing the unstoppable force that is the Thunder.

During Game 7, Aaron Gordon posted eight points and 11 rebounds.

That was an impressive stat, especially considering the fact that Gordon was nursing an injury.

Following the loss, Nikola Jokic talked about Gordon and how he fought hard through the physical pain he was dealing with.

“I told [Aaron Gordon] to not play,” Jokic said, via NBA TV on X. “You can injure yourself even worse. You can see that he was struggling a little bit, but he’s a lion. He went out there and fought with us, and we can just appreciate it.”

"I told him to not play… [but] he went out there and fought with us and we can just appreciate it."

Jokić shares gratitude for Aaron Gordon fighting through injury today. pic.twitter.com/UBWDipNCzs

— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 18, 2025

Gordon has been dealing with a left hamstring injury, and he was very much in doubt leading up to the must-win Game 7.

In fact, he was a game-time decision for the Nuggets, and they announced his participation just 35 minutes before tipoff.

He ended up playing for 25 minutes.

Gordon has a Grade 2 strain, which usually takes weeks to recover from.

But Gordon and his team didn’t have that sort of time, and they didn’t have the luxury of giving him the night off.

They needed all of their players performing at the peak of their abilities, and Gordon was well aware of that.

That is why he suited up, even when he wasn’t at 100 percent.

Jokic told Gordon to sit out, but his request fell on deaf ears, because Gordon was committed to being part of the team’s game, no matter if it ended with a win or loss.

Gordon suffered the injury during Game 6, which means it is still fresh.

Now he has plenty of time to rest, relax, and get better during the summer break.

The post Nikola Jokic Praises Aaron Gordon After Playing Through Injury In Game 7 appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nikola-...ordon-after-playing-through-injury-in-game-7/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Russell Westbrook Makes Big Personal Announcement

(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

After his first season with the Denver Nuggets, Russell Westbrook has a long summer to rest and relax.

He will need it because on Tuesday, he announced that he is undergoing surgery.

Writing in his newsletter, via Law Murray, Westbrook said that he is going to have surgery on his right hand to “fix two breaks that happened during the season.”

“I’m grateful for everyone’s support all year and I can’t wait to be back out there at 100% soon. The comeback is already in motion,” Westbrook wrote, per NBACentral.

Russell Westbrook announces he’ll undergo surgery on his right hand

(Via @LawMurrayTheNU ) pic.twitter.com/2JxBI8pvi2

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 27, 2025

During his year with the Nuggets, Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists on 44.9 percent from the field.

His season was full of ups and downs, and he was both a starter and a bench player.

Some people feel that Westbrook is a great fit for the Nuggets, although he faced some serious troubles during the playoffs.

He has just a few weeks before he needs to decide what is next for him.

He has a $3.3 million player option with the team next season and has until the end of June to figure out what he wants to do.

Will he remain with the Nuggets for next season, or will he try his luck in free agency and find yet another home in the NBA?

His recovery from surgery should be done by the time the new season starts, so the question isn’t if he plays, it’s who he plays for.

This surely won’t be the last time that NBA fans hear from Westbrook this summer.

The post Russell Westbrook Makes Big Personal Announcement appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/russell-westbrook-makes-big-personal-announcement/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Paul Pierce Proposes Blockbuster Nuggets, Kings Trade

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The Sacramento Kings sit at a crossroads, and most people agree they won’t look the same when next season begins.

There are many questions about who they will do business with in the offseason because multiple teams could provide them with the sort of talent they need.

According to Paul Pierce, the Kings should call upon the Denver Nuggets and trade for one of their biggest stars.

He suggested that the Kings trade DeMar DeRozan for Michael Porter Jr.

“I feel like if they had a DeMar DeRozan with that team right now, with Joker, he don’t need to be the best player or the second-best player every night. He is going to give you more than what Michael Porter Jr. gave you,” Pierce said, via NBACentral.

Paul Pierce says the Nuggets should trade Michael Porter Jr. for DeMar DeRozan

“I feel like if they had a DeMar DeRozan with that team right now, with Joker, he don’t need to be the best player or the second-best player every night. He is going to give you more than what Michael… pic.twitter.com/Zcf9q0qNtR

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 27, 2025

Pierce suggested that DeRozan would do more than Porter, which seems to say that this trade would be better for the Nuggets.

However, the Kings could get a lot out of Porter.

He is known as one of the most talented sharpshooters in the league.

He averaged 18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on 50.4 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from the three-point line in 2024-25.

Porter would bring youth and skill from all over the court to the Kings, but would he be worth it?

There have been numerous rumors about Sacramento moving on from DeRozan, but what sort of value do they see in him?

Do they believe he is worth more than just Porter, and would they attempt to do business with multiple teams?

Both of these teams could be very active in the upcoming months because they have big roster voids to fill.

This is just one of many potential trades they could pursue before 2025-26 begins.

The post Paul Pierce Proposes Blockbuster Nuggets, Kings Trade appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/paul-pierce-proposes-blockbuster-nuggets-kings-trade/