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, a person with information of the scenario informed The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The person 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 a press release the 28-year-old “is in good condition” however will stay away from the group indefinitely to get better.
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 observe Wednesday that he’s checked in with Gordon.
“He’s hanging in there,” Malone mentioned. “Obviously, a very traumatic experience and the most important thing I told him is that you take as much time as you need. We’re a family — wins, losses, and when people go through tough times like Aaron’s going through right now.
“We have his back. We love him. We’re here for him. So whenever he’s able to come back, we’re going to open our arms up and embrace him. I told all the guys to make sure they’re reaching out to him, to make sure he’s never 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 together with his proper hand, gained’t be rushed again to the court docket.
“We need him to heal inside and out,” mentioned Malone, whose group hosts Memphis on Thursday. “Going through something like that is not something you come back from easily. That’s something where you have to heal from the physical, but you also have to heal from the mental and what you just kind of went through.
“We want him back. We know we’re better off with him. But I want to support Aaron Gordon and make sure when he comes back, he’s ready to come back and play at the level that we know he’s capable.”
Teammate Kentavious Caldwell-Pope mentioned he was planning to achieve out to Gordon after discovering out the information at observe.
“He just uplifts everybody that comes in when he’s around them,” Caldwell-Pope mentioned. “We’ve got to do the same for him.”
The Nuggets had been with out Gordon for 5 video games earlier this season due to a strained proper heel. They additionally performed with out level guard Jamal Murray for greater than a dozen video games as he handled ankle and hamstring points.
“To our players’ credit, whether it was Jamal being out, whether it’s Aaron being out, whoever it is, our guys have stepped up,” Malone mentioned. “It speaks to the quality of our depth. We have guys that are stepping up and taking advantage of any and all opportunities.”
