Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon is sidelined once again due to a hamstring injury, marking the second time this season he will miss at least a month. Gordon, who has affectionately earned the nickname “Mr. Nugget,” has experienced a troubling pattern of soft tissue injuries, missing nearly half of Denver’s games since last season. His struggles began with a calf injury that limited him extensively throughout the previous year.
In a heartfelt exclusive interview with 9News, Gordon disclosed that he believes there is a deeper emotional cause behind his recurring injuries, tracing back to the sudden loss of his older brother in May 2024. “I haven’t been the same person since,” Gordon shared poignantly. He expressed that this trauma may be manifesting physically in various ways, including the injuries he continues to endure. “Your body doesn’t lie… and as much as you’d like to trick your mind, your body remembers,” he stated, emphasizing the significant connection between emotional pain and physical health.
Gordon highlighted that while he finds solace and therapy in basketball, he also engages in other forms of expression such as painting, singing, and rapping. Throughout his journey, he has consistently championed mental health, revealing that his awareness and practice of meditation began in his early adolescence as a way to handle pre-game nerves.
His explorations into Eastern philosophy further deepened his understanding of the mind-body connection and its relevance to both mental and physical well-being. “People hold tension everywhere throughout their lives… Mine happens to be in my hamstrings,” he explained.
In an effort to assist others in navigating their mental health challenges, Gordon has teamed up with UCHealth to create guided meditation resources available on both the UCHealth app and Spotify. “I know I’m not gonna be able to play basketball forever,” he acknowledged, indicating a desire to cultivate multiple avenues for emotional release even beyond his athletic career.
Ultimately, Gordon’s journey reflects a strong commitment to mental health awareness and showcases how personal challenges can inspire broader community support. By openly discussing his struggles and actively seeking to help others, he stands as a testament to resilience and the importance of mental well-being in the face of adversity.