Aaron Gordon Honors Late Brother Drew, Credits Denver Nuggets Teammates for Support After Tragic Loss
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon has opened up about the profound impact his teammates have had on him following the tragic death of his older brother, Drew Gordon. Drew, who was just 33 years old, passed away in a fatal car accident in Portland, Oregon, in May 2024, leaving behind his wife, Angela, and their three children. For Aaron, the loss was overwhelming, but his Denver Nuggets teammates stood by him every step of the way during his grieving process, providing the comfort and support he needed.
Speaking at the Nuggets’ media day on September 26, Aaron, 29, addressed the emotional journey he’s been on since his brother’s passing. “Without getting too much into it, I always leaned on my brother,” he began. He admitted that, for much of his life, his relationship with Drew was one of the deepest connections he had, and outside relationships often didn’t compare. But after Drew’s sudden death, Aaron realized how much he had been taking for granted, especially the bonds he had with his teammates.
Reflecting on the difficult time, Aaron expressed immense gratitude for his teammates, saying, “These guys have been there for me every step of the way.” He revealed that several of his Nuggets teammates attended Drew’s funeral, showing their solidarity and helping Aaron navigate the early stages of his grief. “These guys have really developed into people I would call my own brothers,” Aaron shared. “These are my brothers.”
Aaron’s close relationship with his teammates speaks to the tight-knit culture within the Nuggets organization. For Aaron, the support has gone beyond basketball—it has given him a second family at a time when he needed one the most. “They’ve been super supportive, and I love them for that,” he added during the press conference.
In honor of his late brother, Aaron made the decision to change his jersey number for the upcoming NBA season. He will swap his iconic No. 50 jersey for No. 32, the same number Drew wore during his basketball career, including his stint with the Philadelphia 76ers before transitioning to international leagues. The gesture is a heartfelt tribute to the man Aaron had always looked up to and leaned on.
The loss of Drew has deeply impacted the Gordon family, but Aaron’s gesture serves as a meaningful way to keep his brother’s legacy alive, especially on the basketball court where the two shared a passion for the game. The Denver Nuggets organization also paid their respects, releasing a touching statement following Drew’s death. “Drew was far too young to leave this world, but his legacy will forever live on through his three beautiful children and all of his loved ones,” the team said, expressing their heartfelt condolences to the Gordon family.
As Aaron prepares for the new NBA season, he does so with the weight of loss but also with the strength of knowing that his teammates—his new brothers—will continue to support him. In a world where professional sports often feel like a business, Aaron’s story is a poignant reminder of the importance of camaraderie, love, and family, both on and off the court.
