Why Aaron Gordon ABSOLUTELY Needs Nikola Jokic As His Teammate

The Unbreakable Bond

• 💡 Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic are the first NBA duo to average 60% field goal percentage on 10+ attempts per game.
• 🎯 Gordon views Jokic as his "basketball soulmate" and the player he's "always dreamed of playing with."
• 🔑 Their connection has strengthened every season, leading to a harmonious and seemingly permanent partnership.

From Star to Role Player

• 🚀 Drafted fourth overall by the Orlando Magic, Gordon was initially expected to be a superstar.
• ⚠️ His time in Orlando was marked by inefficient isolation plays and frustration, leading to a career-low 42% field goal percentage.
• ✅ A trade to Denver in 2021 brought a "basketball epiphany," shifting his focus from chasing stats to team perfection.

Jokic's Gravitational Pull

• 📈 Gordon's efficiency skyrocketed to 55% field goal shooting after joining Denver, despite a slight dip in scoring.
• 🧠 Nikola Jokic's "gravity" is crucial to Gordon's game, with 69% of his dunks resulting from Jokic's assists.
• 📊 The net rating for Gordon is +10 with Jokic on the floor, but collapses to -2 when Jokic sits.

A Unique Loyalty

• 🤝 Gordon's contentment as a complementary player is seen as rebellious in today's player-empowered league.
• 💬 He demonstrated loyalty by supporting Russell Westbrook, stating he'd do "whatever I can to get Russell Westbrook a ring."
• 🏆 This commitment to continuity and team success is a powerful statement, prioritizing a historic puzzle over individual spotlight.

Evolving Game & Legacy

• ⚡ Playing with Jokic has allowed Gordon to "see plays ahead," attributing this to Jokic's "basketball genius."
• 💪 In the 2025-26 preseason, Gordon showed sharpened tools, averaging 16.3 points on high efficiency without constant Jokic presence.
• 🌟 Gordon considers Jokic "one of the best players, if not the best player of all time," highlighting their profound bond.