Aaron Gordon has resumed practice with the Denver Nuggets after missing two games due to a dog bite injury he sustained on Christmas, quickly emerging as a top NBA storyline. Feeling ready to play, Gordon may return in the Nuggets’ upcoming game against the Charlotte Hornets, though his participation is still uncertain.
The incident involved Gordon’s Rottweiler, which he has had since it was a puppy. Due to his NBA schedule, Gordon’s father has been caring for the dog. Gordon, a lifelong dog lover, is now considering additional training options for his pet.
“I love dogs. I grew up with dogs my whole life,” Gordon said. “But because we’re on the road so much, my dad’s taking care of him, so I can’t really train him how I need him to be. … But I feel good. Everything is fine.”
Despite sporting 21 stitches, predominantly on his right shooting hand, and a scar near his lip, Gordon is in high spirits. He humorously brushed off the incident and social media memes about it, focusing instead on his readiness to play basketball again. He’s familiar with playing with stitches in his hand and is more concerned about his gameplay than the facial stitches, quipping, “We’re not running a pageant here.”
Nuggets coach Michael Malone will discuss Gordon’s comfort level with playing, particularly regarding catching and shooting the ball. Malone praised Gordon’s return to practice, emphasizing the camaraderie and team spirit that players miss when they’re away.
“I’ll talk to him in a little bit here just to see how it felt at practice today, catching the ball, shooting the ball,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “It’s on his right hand. So it’ll be a discussion with him, and how comfortable he is going out there, playing. But he looked good today.
“I think for him it was just great to be back in the gym,” Malone explained. “And you always hear that from guys, when they’re not with the team, what they miss most is being around the locker room and the team and the comradery that we all have. But we’ll see how he’s feeling tomorrow with the hand.”
The biting incident happened at Gordon’s home following the Nuggets’ Christmas Day victory over the Warriors. Gordon attributes the accident to his own actions, having possibly been too rough while playing with his dog after consuming eggnog. He sought medical attention the same night to get his injuries treated.
“I guess it’s a little bit embarrassing, but not too embarrassing to where I can’t talk about it,” he said. “I don’t drink a lot during the season. I probably had a little bit too much eggnog. I was kind of roughhousing with my dog, and I think my dog got a little excited and just basically chomped down. Gave me a bite. And I was basically wrestling him off of me, and then he bit my hand.
“For lack of better words, I was (messing) around with my dog, and when you (mess) around, you find out.”
Malone was informed of the incident the following morning and advised Gordon to take the necessary time for recovery. Gordon felt guilty about missing games and practice, especially after the Nuggets’ significant loss to the Thunder.
Gordon expressed his affection for his teammates and the mutual support within the Nuggets. He felt remorseful for the time taken away from both the team and medical professionals for what he considered a minor and avoidable injury.
“I really, really enjoy this team,” Gordon said. “They love me very much. I love them, too. That’s probably one of the hardest things about this whole thing. It’s such a fluke, silly injury. I had to miss a couple of games, a couple of days, and be away from my team, and that sucks.
“Being in the hospital and getting stitches is never fun,” Gordon explained. “But it’s just like, I felt bad because I was taking away the doctors’ time when they could’ve been dealing with something more serious. Just feel a little silly, but it’s alright.”
Despite the situation, Gordon defended his dog, describing him as a loyal and wonderful pet. There were no reports of the incident to local or state animal protection services.
“He’s a good boy. He’s a good dog,” Gordon said. “… Very attached. Very sweet. Very strong. Great dog.”
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