DENVER (AP) — Denver Nuggets ahead Aaron Gordon wanted 21 stitches after struggling lacerations to his face and proper hand whereas being bitten by a household canine on Christmas, an individual with data of the state of affairs informed The Related Press on Wednesday.
The individual spoke to the AP on situation of anonymity as a result of particulars of the incident, first reported by The Athletic, haven’t been launched. The Nuggets introduced in an announcement the 28-year-old “is in good situation” however will stay away from the group indefinitely to recuperate.
Gordon is averaging 13.6 factors and 6.9 rebounds for the defending NBA champions. He had 16 factors and 10 rebounds in a 120-114 win over Golden State on Christmas.
Nuggets coach Michael Malone mentioned after follow Wednesday that he’s checked in with Gordon.
“He’s hanging in there,” Malone mentioned. “Clearly, a really traumatic expertise and an important factor I informed him is that you simply take as a lot time as you want. We’re a household — wins, losses, and when folks undergo powerful occasions like Aaron’s going by means of proper now.
“We have now his again. We love him. We’re right here for him. So each time he’s capable of come again, we’re going to open our arms up and embrace him. I informed all the blokes to verify they’re reaching out to him, to verify he’s by no means feeling like he’s on an island.”
The Nuggets are off to a 22-10 begin of their quest to repeat as champions. Gordon, who shoots along with his proper hand, received’t be rushed again to the court docket.
“We’d like him to heal inside and outside,” mentioned Malone, whose group hosts Memphis on Thursday. “Going by means of one thing like that isn’t one thing you come again from simply. That’s one thing the place you must heal from the bodily, however you additionally should heal from the psychological and what you simply type of went by means of.
“We wish him again. We all know we’re higher off with him. However I need to assist Aaron Gordon and ensure when he comes again, he’s prepared to return again and play on the stage that we all know he’s succesful.”
Teammate Kentavious Caldwell-Pope mentioned he was planning to achieve out to Gordon after discovering out the information at follow.
“He simply uplifts everyone that is available in when he’s round them,” Caldwell-Pope mentioned. “We’ve bought to do the identical for him.”
The Nuggets had been with out Gordon for 5 video games earlier this season due to a strained proper heel. In addition they performed with out level guard Jamal Murray for greater than a dozen video games as he handled ankle and hamstring points.
“To our gamers’ credit score, whether or not it was Jamal being out, whether or not it’s Aaron being out, whoever it’s, our guys have stepped up,” Malone mentioned. “It speaks to the standard of our depth. We have now guys which can be stepping up and benefiting from any and all alternatives.”