The Unique Versatility of Aaron Gordon

The Nuggets defended their homecourt on ring night against the Lakers, and what caught my eye was Aaron Gordon... doing literally everything.
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[@michaelbietsch2864]

I love Aaron gordon prop. But one thing I think almost every breakdown of his game that ive seen has failed to acount for is his value as a teamate. Before we signed him, the nuggets all seemed to get along, but since hes arived, he brought such immaculate vibes that its effected the on and of court chemistry of this team and elevated us to contender status. Chemistry is such a vastly underappreciated aspect of teamsports, and Aaron Gordon has truly earned the title - Mr.Nugget

[@HoopVenue]

I 100% agree, great call!

[@user-mb2wj2qo5w]

Nope we have pilipino give respect to ARON GORDON he call Aron Gordon in break down GORDON DAK DAK mo means GORDON IS A GREAT DUNKER HAHA IS FUN TO WACTH THAT BREAK DOWN VERY FANY BUT SHOW GORDON GREAT PLAYS

[@travisromero9528]

I remember Denver trading away Gary Harris for him and I thought the vibes were over man. I can’t believe how amazing of a dude AG is. Love that guy.

[@brianbadonde9251]

He's a very spiritual person that's where his good vibes come from. He's always smiling and happy, a guy who you can't get mad at. Also he practices with the team at his own house sometimes which is dope

[@anthonylucero6458]

​@@user-mb2wj2qo5wwith all do respect stay off the comments 😂

[@BB-qt1qn]

Definitely one of the most underrated players currently. AG deserves the respect!

[@HoopVenue]

Facts!

[@Treadstone1986]

Aaron Gordon's basketball IQ has gone way up since he first joined the Nuggets.

[@HoopVenue]

His growth has been incredible!

[@c.k-da-kxnghere]

He always had that iq he just didnt have the tools to utilize it on the magics. Im a die hard magic fan and i can admit out flaws. We failed alot of guys who should have been stars AG included. Now AG is at the age were development is harder because breaking his jumpshot mechanics will be super hard because hes stuck in his ways. The magic failed at that. We had the worst developmental team in the league. I just we fix that with Paulo. AG didnt trust his teammates in Orlando and felt like he had to force things. And i dont blame him. Now that he trust his teammates on the nuggets he can prove his mind is there as well as his body

[@connorkane1542]

Nuggets legitimately have the opportunity to start a dynasty here. Arguably the best starting 5 in the league, great head coach and decent bench depth. And now they have the experience of a finals run, so they know what it takes to really win it all.

[@HoopVenue]

Agreed, such a special squad.

[@brianbadonde9251]

Denver finally uses him like he's meant to be, a slashing, defending post up player who can knock down an occasional 3. Orlando was trying to make him into a perimeter wing player which isn't his strength. He's probably the 2nd most impactful player in their starting 5 in terms of role since he does everything on both ends

[@Watermelon_Man]

Yeah he’s like a better scoring Draymond. He’ll do all of the dirty work, guard the best player, and put himself in the best position for easy points.

[@HoopVenue]

Agreed!

[@elmehdinafia1237]

Lol maybe you can compare AG to Dray on defense but not on offense there's no comparison whatsoever..

[@deelak2329]

After the Nuggets got beat by the Warriors in 2022. Aaron Gordon told the Media, that his goal was to get smarter so he can learn how to play as well as possible in a Nikola Jokic team. You can see from the start of the season last year that he succeeded in that Goal, and, has taken that a level further this year.

[@HoopVenue]

100%, his growth is amazing.

[@cremenxmch7879]

He was given the most efficient role for his skillset. He is defiantly one of if not the most all around efficient player in the league, he utilizes his role to the epitome of efficiency (also he for sure made that pass to jokic. just too smart of a player not to have been purposeful)

[@HoopVenue]

I think he made that pass too, good callout!

[@andredornelles8014]

Not only your analysis is great, but you are a legend at picking the players to analyse

[@HoopVenue]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed!

[@VoltaDoMar]

for most of the Nuggets, I can think of things they could work on, ways they could help the team even more. But I'm kind of stumped for AG. Other than making more outside shots, which isn't a very big deal, I can't think of anything he could be doing better for this team. He's the perfect guy for his role. And he's low-key a really good passer.

[@Serenity01871]

Low key he only could train the free throws more

[@HoopVenue]

He plays his role to near perfection!

[@gritzxenus]

Gordon such an underrated player and I still think he's always been better than lavine

[@HoopVenue]

Players who do the little things are slept on!

[@denverbasshead]

I think lavine can score a little better but that's it

[@swirlinq]

aaron has better defense and his cutting and size/build makes him an offensive force. zach is on a garbage team and wont go any farther than the first round of playoffs

[@agomez7740]

I think the tip pass was intentional. There is a video from training camp where he had a great tip pass to KCP I belive, so that is probably part of his arsenal. Makes all the sense in the world too given how much Jokic uses tip passes.

[@wuhanclan]

Three years ago, I would have been doubtful. But AG has seriously leveled up his passing game since going to Denver. That was definitely a tip pass.

[@HoopVenue]

I think I'm with you, great play.

[@donaldf9055]

One of the most underrated players in the league. On any given night hes either the 2nd or third best player on the nuggets. Absolutely insane player. But the nuggets as a whole is a nasty team.

[@HoopVenue]

Agreed, that starting five is ridiculous.

[@porozil4068]

He has grown so much over the years, he's an elite defender at this point, hope he makes an all defensive team!

[@elmehdinafia1237]

And his durability is INSANE! Dude's always ready to play!!!

[@fedjavuckovic5920]

I was saying this ever since AG joined(it was about time I started watching NBA) when Jamal was injured, same as MPJ that AG is star player, and player that every team would love to have on their squad as starting 4 position. Thinking of power forwards in the leauge I don't think I'd have any other than AG, plus his super chill and friendley personality. I might be biased as a Nuggets fan, but idk.. Surely 3rd most important player in Denver, argubly even 2nd. His chemistry with Jokić is just insane, which is reflection of their friendship outside the court, like when AG came to watch Serbia on Eurobasket, or last summer, when he spent a few weeks in Sombor, with Jokić family. Both Jokić and AG and Jokić and Jamal are among top5 duos in the leauge. The chemistry they have between themselves truely is something special, ans matherial for multiple rings. Hopefully these 3 remain together for at least 4-5 years, and I am sure they'll bring home at least 2 more championships. But yes anyways AG such an underrated playe, he has to be top30 player currentley in the NBA his impact on the championship team is insane, and not given enough credit, nor spoken well enough, so tbank you for this video and a little bit of recognition that this man deserves 🙌🏼

[@HoopVenue]

Glad you enjoyed, and well said!

[@grandmastersreaction1267]

I’m 100% sure that Gordon tapped the ball right back to Jokic.

[@HoopVenue]

I think I'm with you there.

[@andrewabraham5109]

Gordan is the perfect championship piece that will impact a team to win a chip.

[@HoopVenue]

Facts

[@SammyG6714]

He's the 3rd most important player for the Nuggets. We're so lucky to have him. Mr Nugget!!

[@TheJerell12]

As a Magic fan it's been dope to see AG hone his game to be able to be a critical part of a championship team.

[@Nerfgunninja]

Dude the volume/quality of your content is nuts. Love the style of your breakdowns. Also pretty sure that's a pass from AG on the oop. He taps the ball away from the rim in a way that's imo clearly not an attempt at a shot.

[@HoopVenue]

Thank you, and I agree!

[@thestatusjoe9949]

The thing I love most about the nuggets is just how perfect their starting lineup is. May not be the best purely in terms of talent, but in terms of fitting together as a cohesive unit I don’t think there’s any better, and there probably won’t be for a while. Only flaw in the starters right now is MPJ having a bad shooting streak, but if he can get his confidence back and start knocking down threes again I think they will be perfect. Cutting, passing, isos, post ups, shooting, shot creation, etc, the starters have it all, and it all fits together seamlessly

[@HoopVenue]

I agree, it's a special unit.

[@UnacceptedBySocietyArtist]

8:20 I’m guessing Gordon realized in the middle of his jump that the ball was high so he just wanted to keep the ball in play and hope that someone was there to rebound, thankfully, Jokic was in the perfect spot.

[@HoopVenue]

I can see that for sure!

[@pattymotime2go]

Bro I was saying this his last year on Orlando / once he got to Denver his transition has been amazing

[@erwinrommelgaminde9572]

Looks like they've figured out this Lakers team. It's similar to how GS got over the hump by beating the Clippers and Pelicans. The chip also gives more confidence to the group which makes them more aggressive. Exciting times in Denver!

[@pashapasovski5860]

My favorite Yok teammate, really cool dude! He learned a lot from Yok and he's dishing dimes and getting open under the rim! Jumping Spider!

[@HoopVenue]

Him and Jokic have some of the best synergy in the NBA.

[@clanwaddell5628]

Your break down of his defense puts a smile on my face. Offense gets the highlights, but great defenders help teams win championships

[@Cardb33]

Aaron Gordon's contributions to the championship run for the Nuggets remind me a lot of what Wiggins did with the Warriors the prior year. They are both very versatile, were considered busts or not living up to their draft position but thrived when they were put in a role more suited to their skill sets which is the swiss army knife type of player. Teams often have this mentality where a guy drafted as high as they are needs to be the #1 scoring option on a team and be creating offense for themselves, it often leads to disappointment when they inevitably can't do what's asked of them at a high level. It shows though that when a player is placed in a more suitable role that they can absolutely thrive and give massive contributions to a championship team. I think the old school Spurs were the best at that, they always put guys in positions to maximize their skill set and never asked too much out of a player. It's no wonder guys like Boris Diaw, Marco Belinelli, Patty Mills and others had their best years playing for the Spurs. I think more teams (coaches especially) should look at what Aaron Gordon and Wiggins accomplished with their championship runs and see if they're asking too much out of a player or if a player is more suited to a different role without considering the draft position too heavily. It would lead to a lot better results on and off the court, guys would be more willing to stick with their team and teams using every asset to the best of their ability. Guys feel good when they are being used effectively and the team is allowing them to be themselves. So happy to see Aaron Gordon thriving with this Nuggets team he's perfect in his role and everyone in Denver loves him. I'm not a Nuggets fan (I'm a Spurs fan) necessarily but since my team isn't competing for a ring I'm cheering for the Nuggets again this year as I have for the past few.

[@TORGERR]

Would love to see a Giddey analysis if you’d be interested in something like that. He’s so fun to watch & has such a great feel for what’s going on everywhere on the court. I’m a big fan of his game and I know you’d do him justice with a breakdown like this. Love your videos bro, keep up the good work!🤞

[@HoopVenue]

Definitely want to cover him, thanks!

[@ledgnr197gaming5]

I’d love to potentially see a Zach Collins vid. His defense, passing, and low post scoring looked great last night. Underrated player Also, great vid. You and people like Thinking Basketball and AlexHoops are some of the best around and are indirectly teaching me how to analyze the game. Good stuff.

[@HoopVenue]

Definitely agree with Collins being underrated, been waiting for him to get healthy. And appreciate that, means a lot!

[@ParamoreFAV3]

Albeit deserving, but Jokic gets so much of the credit for this team; but there are literally great and I mean great players around him. Not just good. All of these guys are underrated passers and shot creators. KCP probably is the “weakest” of the core when it comes to shot creation but he’s a great guy that you can plug in anywhere and will knock down shots. Not to mention Murray being the playoff killer he is and having saved them more times than he gets credit for, etc. What a dangerously constructed team.

[@HoopVenue]

Agreed!

[@grandmastersreaction1267]

I love the foot work from Michael Porter Jr at 03:15

[@HoopVenue]

Learned from the best (Jokic)

[@JonathanDorikt]

Ngl, I was livid during the finals speech when they ended on the difference MPJ made in the finals, without mentioning Gordons impact at all. Like, that dude contributes so much to that team... I feal he is the real difference maker for them and their true 3rd piece. It's not like I don't like MPJ btw, and the guys are pretty identical when you look at the stats of their playoff contributions (difference being Porters +2 rebounds to Gordons +1 assist). I just felt like the moments he impacted were more noticeable. And the fact that they didn't acknowledge him in that moment just grated me. Dude has been setting new standards for himself every season. He said he's now gunning for his 1st all-star appearance this season, and I can't help but root for him. He just plays good B-Ball.

[@vukans595]

I've been saying for a long time that AG is the second MVP of the Nuggets team!

[@c.k-da-kxnghere]

AG has been my favorite player since 2017 and still to this day he holds that title

[@porozil4068]

8:25 That's just elite chemistry 😂

[@HoopVenue]

I'm saying!

[@itztoxicsaucy4149]

Wow I’ve always loved Gordon when he came into the league but your break down really shows how good he really is . Underrated in my opinion

[@DrawQuick2014]

Future Hall of Famer

[@MarkoMarkovic-vo5sg]

I think that Malone trying to use him as center when Jokic not on court ...and he is off all players closest to Jokic ..his improvement in passing ball and ball handling is unmatched he was also lead the ball few times

[@CavemanSynthesizer]

Honestly the first thing I thought when I saw that failed Jokic lob play was: "did Gordan tip it to him on purpose?"

[@HoopVenue]

Same here, and you have to give those 2 the benefit of the doubt, right?

[@frimul1]

He found his home in Denver and he is paying it off a big time. You can see on his face that he is happy with Nuggets family. So glad that he is a Nuggets player. I just hope that Bruce comes back where he belongs.

[@ironmammoth7]

OK on that pass, I believe that he went up intent to score but upon realizing that he couldn't thing tipped the ball to Jokic. AG has evolved so much as a player since coming here from the Magic and the Nuggets are lucky to have him. Solid teammate that plays excellent defense and can create and finish as you said. So glad he was awarded the position to speak for the team at the ring ceremony, speaks volumes about the leader he is becoming.

[@HoopVenue]

That's exactly what I was thinking, and great point on leadership!

[@Rogue_Centurion]

5:46 I love how Christian Wood and DiAngelo Russell were both complaining and whining for a call as Aaron Gordon was bearing down on them.

[@cane.srbljanovic]

intentional intellectual.

[@youngmelo1841]

Wiggins and Gordon changed how fans viewd them

[@HoopVenue]

Versatile defensive wings who play a key role on offense, big-time impact!

[@andredornelles8014]

This might be a bit off scopus for you, but I believe you'd do an absolute great job at analysis old-school legends (with contextual comments and links to changes to today's game). Just from this and from you Golbert video, for instance, I'd love to see you analysing Moses Malone game. Not sure if that's an audience you'd be seeking to reach, but it would be just pure gold I'm certain

[@HoopVenue]

I'm a huge NBA history buff, love breaking it down. I like doing that type of stuff in the off-season though, just because of relevancy.

[@chrilpy]

8:17 the nuggets’ chemistry is so good I wouldn’t be surprised if AG meant to do this. Everyone seems to always be on the same page

[@HoopVenue]

That's where I am, if anything they deserve the benefit of the doubt on any play like that.

[@headicuss]

I honestly didn't really think nothing of Gordan until now. This guy is definitely versatile. My goodness

[@HoopVenue]

He's incredible!

[@ClamsCasino1997]

When he showed up in that wild ass outfit, I was like no chance this dude put in any work this offseason 😂. He balled out though, Nuggets not letting up

[@HoopVenue]

His fits never disappoint.

[@jadedlynx]

My initial thought was that Gordon meant to tip the misplaced lob to Jokic and watching it a second time in this analysis it seems more apparent.

[@HoopVenue]

I agree with you there.

[@zylianari8556]

While Murray is the better player stats wise, I think AG is Jokic's perfect teammate. Lockdown defense, versatile offense, & an innate sense of Jokic's playmaking. He's just the ideal teammate for Jokic imo.

[@HoopVenue]

I agree, so glad that Denver made that move, they saw the vision!

[@MikeTheNBAGuy]

Under Nick Nurse, I'm hoping Tobias Harris can become a similar type of star-roleplayer for the Sixers, but with more of an offensive focus. I think Doc Rivers severely limited what he could do for the Sixers and a better system could make him closer to the player we're paid him all that money to be

[@HoopVenue]

I'm still holding out hope for Tobias for sure.

[@user-mb2wj2qo5w]

A/G IS A REAL GREAT DEFENDER

[@HoopVenue]

Facts!

[@APHH-Content]

great content ma man

[@HoopVenue]

Thank you!

[@mauriliomelo8891]

Shout out to Harrison Barnes, this type of modern defensive guy who can output offense as a 3 or 4 option, even 5 option is an underappreciated role. Wiggins and Gordon does it just better than Barnes, but they play very similarly.

[@mr.kwamid-86_43]

INTENTIONAL TIP TO JOKIC

[@DarbyCDoll]

Great analysis! Gordon doesn't get the attention he deserves. Oh and - he tipped it back to Jokic.

[@HoopVenue]

Thanks, and I agree!

[@ididntaskverified3663]

This is what wins championships

[@shaulyehudah29]

Jeremiah grant might be a better shooter but Aaron Gordon is a huge overall upgrade

[@HoopVenue]

I agree!

[@clanwaddell5628]

I think it was a lucky coincidence that he got the ball back to Jokic. Think he wanted to get that lob dunk and decided instead to tap it to Jokic. His plan was to dunk, but he switched it up in the moment

[@OakleytheRottie]

he owns Jimmy Butler. I’ve heard Draymond badmouth Gordon and I think Aaron and Lebron have a history.

[@OakleytheRottie]

Obviously he gives them problems

[@youngmelo1841]

Draymond disrespecting him in the 2022 playoffs changed him

[@aaronesquivel1504]

I wouldn't be shocked if the Nuggets won the next 2 titles, just how can any other team match the skillset and chemistry of the Nuggets starting lineup within the next 2 years?

[@HoopVenue]

Special squad, no doubt.

[@nbapbaupdate8338]

Jaylen Brown your next video Hoop Venue 😤😤😤😤😤😤😤😤😤😤😤😤😤😤😤😤😤

[@benhey10]

holy shit he's so fuckin good

[@HoopVenue]

So underrated!

[@bracanet]

AG !!!

[@jcsplolonger]

AG is the third star, not MPJ

[@arx5638]

I feel like Jokic helped unlock Gordon potential.

[@bogoljubdjordjevic7528]

Denver is team what he wait his all life to show what all know! 10:02

[@themountain59]

I find it astonishing that Gordon is greatly ignored by US sport journalism...🙄

[@HoopVenue]

He has the highlights to go along with the impact, it's probably a market thing.

[@JonBoy612]

Gordon is the man! Let’s go 5 0!

[@ryuzakikazeshini4012]

LeBum camping in the corner is pure cringe lmao.

[@mackdunlap1324]

w vid

[@Misisko]

AG is da best!

[@DzzO]

Hopstep?

[@kenm4390]

Aaron Gordon is better than Draymond Green in 2023

[@RamosSports0810]

5-0

[@bobpie7785]

i think it was a tip pass to Jokic

[@HoopVenue]

Same here

[@finnishview2933]

Yes, Aaron Gordon is good. Tell us something new.

[@HoopVenue]

no!

[@truthyahweh9877]

Didn't realize lebron wearing 23 again

[@benjaminpadilla4857]

The Lakers could go big with with the lineup of Reaves ,Prince Jared LeBron and AD . .Or Reaves Reddish Rui Wood and Jackson Hayes .

[@HoopEnthusiasts]

Gordon in any other team would be a bench guy but jokic revived his career😢

[@i_fuze_hostages6]

He definitely helped but the nuggets really figured out how to use him properly he’s a difficult player to utilize correctly but when you find his talent and you absolutely abuse it it’s a huge problem for the other team

[@HoopVenue]

I wouldn't go that far, I compare it to Wiggins in Golden State. If a team knows how to utilize him, he's a big time impact player, and synergizes extremely well with Joker.

[@itzBMG]

Wouldn’t be a bench guy but wouldn’t be doing this good without the nuggets

[@tdsm99]

Absolute nonsense. Malone should be credited with his success and development way more than Jokic. AG was misprofiled his whole career and only became a true 4 once Malone got him

[@Willdrknght]

He has been the missing piece all along .

[@jjdoubleu6034]

Good to see AG coming up some more.

[@HoopVenue]

He's awesome!

[@mr.kwamid-86_43]

NO FAT ON DAT BO-DAY EITHER!

[@JuanettaThomas-mf6om]

Gordon teammates needs to be more considerate in passing the ball to him stop being such hogs team will be more greater

[@prodbanks]

position scammer 😂

[@HoopVenue]

I didn't lie though!

[@smradinaglupa]

Mr. Nugget is the GOAT teammate.

[@erichong4786]

AG's main thing is still defensive versatility to compensate for Jokic's lack of PnR defense. Everything else is just a plus honestly, especially his ability to provide pace when Jokic is, well, one of the slowest players in the league. My only concerns with this team are mainly MPJ's injury history involving his back and teams that can contain Murray AND clog the paint at the same time (the main question is on whether the Celtics are big enough to contain AG and Jokic inside and whether Jrue can actually contain Murray).

[@HoopVenue]

Agree with everything you said here!