The Denver Nuggets enter the 2025-26 NBA season with renewed ambition, led by their superstar Nikola Jokić and his trusted co-star Aaron Gordon. After a playoff run filled with highs, dramatic finishes, and the pain of elimination, Gordon has made it clear that he believes playing alongside Jokić is one of the most unique and rewarding experiences in basketball. With the Nuggets reloaded and deeper than ever, the versatile forward isn’t shying away from bold predictions for the year ahead.

Gordon’s Breakout Playoff Moments

During the 2025 NBA Playoffs, Aaron Gordon cemented his reputation as more than just a role player. He delivered timely performances that helped keep the Nuggets alive in crucial moments. One of his signature highlights came in Game 4 of the first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers, where he finished a buzzer-beating dunk that tied the series at 2-2. The moment electrified Denver fans and reminded the league that Gordon thrives under pressure.

Later, in the second round against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Gordon hit a clutch game-winning three-pointer in Game 1. While Jokić drew the defense with his unmatched gravity, Gordon capitalized and delivered. These moments not only showcased his reliability as a co-star but also highlighted his ability to complement Jokić’s unselfish style of play.

Even while battling adversity, Gordon showed his toughness. In Game 7 against the Thunder, he played through a grade 2 hamstring strain, giving everything he had despite the eventual loss. The Nuggets fell short, but Gordon’s willingness to compete at less than full health underscored his value to the team.

The Jokić-Gordon Connection

At the heart of Denver’s success lies the unique chemistry between Nikola Jokić and Aaron Gordon. While Jokić continues to redefine what it means to be a center in the modern NBA, Gordon has adapted his game perfectly to fit alongside him. Their combination of vision, spacing, and unspoken understanding has become one of the league’s most effective partnerships.

Speaking on NBA Today, Gordon opened up about what it means to play with Jokić.

“He’s amazing. It’s an amazing experience to get to know him and to play around one of the best players, if not the best player, of all time. The gravity that he has—whether it’s creating looks for teammates or hitting shots that no one else would even attempt—it changes the game for everyone around him.”

Gordon pointed to the alley-oop dunk against the Clippers as an example. “That was the gravity Joker has,” Gordon said. “He was shooting a one-legged fadeaway runner, and everybody thought it was going in. I was just in my spot, doing what I do, and it clicked. He makes everything work.”

This synergy is not just limited to the basketball court. Gordon emphasized that their bond off the floor has carried over into games. “I think we have a great understanding with each other on and off the basketball floor, and you guys are going to see that flourish.”

Jokić’s Dominance in the Playoffs

Though Denver’s playoff run ended earlier than expected, Nikola Jokić was nothing short of spectacular. He averaged 26.2 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 8.0 assists across 14 postseason games, once again showing why he is widely considered one of the greatest players in NBA history. His ability to elevate teammates while carrying the offensive load proved invaluable, even in defeat.

Jokić’s presence allowed Gordon to thrive, as defenses consistently collapsed on the Serbian superstar. Gordon responded by averaging 16.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, demonstrating that he could be both a finisher and a secondary creator when needed. Together, the duo carried the Nuggets through tough stretches, and their chemistry looked more refined than ever.

Nuggets’ Deep Roster Ahead of the 2025-26 Season

One of the biggest storylines heading into this season is the Nuggets’ depth. The starting five—Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokić—gives Denver a blend of scoring, defense, and playmaking that few teams can match. Murray remains a clutch performer, Braun continues to develop into a defensive anchor, and Johnson adds reliable floor spacing.

Beyond the starters, Denver’s bench is one of the most intriguing in the league. With Bruce Brown returning, Tim Hardaway Jr. bringing veteran shooting, Julian Strawther growing into a solid rotational piece, Peyton Watson providing athleticism, and Jonas Valančiūnas offering size and experience, the Nuggets have built a unit capable of surviving the grueling 82-game season. This depth addresses one of the key issues from last year, when fatigue and injuries wore the team down.

Title Contenders in the West

Despite last season’s elimination at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Nuggets remain a top contender in the Western Conference. Many analysts project them as one of the top three teams in the West, alongside the Thunder and possibly the Phoenix Suns.

Denver’s biggest challenge will be overcoming Oklahoma City’s young core, who proved last season that they could rise to the occasion. But with the Nuggets’ combination of star power, playoff experience, and improved depth, they enter the season as a legitimate threat to reclaim the Western Conference crown.

Gordon himself is confident about their prospects. His bold prediction reflects the belief that he and Jokić can lead Denver back to the NBA Finals. “You guys are going to see us flourish,” he said. That statement reflects not only optimism but also an acknowledgment of how special the Jokić-Gordon partnership has become.

The Importance of Gordon’s Role

While much of the attention naturally falls on Jokić and Murray, Aaron Gordon’s role is pivotal. His ability to guard multiple positions, rebound, and contribute offensively makes him the glue of Denver’s lineup. He can score in transition, stretch defenses with timely shooting, and provide energy plays that shift momentum.

Gordon’s versatility allows the Nuggets to match up with a variety of opponents. Against bigger lineups, he can crash the boards and defend power forwards. Against smaller, quicker teams, he can slide to the wing and provide perimeter defense. This adaptability makes him one of the most valuable complementary stars in the league.

Looking Ahead

The 2025-26 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent NBA history, and the Denver Nuggets are right in the mix. With Nikola Jokić continuing to dominate and Aaron Gordon embracing his role as both co-star and emotional leader, Denver has all the tools to mount another deep playoff run.

For Gordon, the goal is clear: continue building on his chemistry with Jokić and prove that the Nuggets can contend with anyone. His willingness to put the team first, play through pain, and deliver in big moments has already earned him the respect of fans and teammates alike.

As the season tips off, Nuggets fans can expect to see more of the dynamic duo’s brilliance. And if Gordon’s prediction holds true, the NBA may once again witness Denver flourishing at the very highest level.