NBA: Ranking the league's best third options

NBA: Ranking the league’s best third options

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Aaron Gordon (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

NBA: Ranking the league’s best third options: 24. Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets

Remember when Aaron Gordon first came into the league? He was an explosive forward who seemed to be getting better and better every year. His outside shot improved, his ability to dunk over the top of everyone stayed the same and he was even a skilled passer.

Yet, after spending years at the bottom of the barrel with the Orlando Magic, he was shipped off to the Denver Nuggets. Now, he’s considered their third-best player on offense. Technically though, by default. With Jamal Murray out with a torn ACL and Michael Porter Jr. out with what’s been described as a serious nerve issue in his back, Gordon is the Nuggets third-best option on the offensive end.

At a shade over 13 points per game, Gordon is a pretty reliable source for points. He isn’t the sort of player that you want to hand the ball to and tell him to create but he’s terrific at finishing around the rim and he’s also become a knockdown shooter, currently nailing a hair over 40% from behind the arc.

Once the Nuggets are completely healthy, Gordon will become their fifth-best player on offense. For now, he’ll enjoy the extra shot attempts.