Drew Gordon, a former professional basketball player and the older brother of Denver Nuggets star Aaron Gordon, tragically passed away at the age of 33 following a car accident on Thursday. His agent confirmed the heartbreaking news to ESPN, marking a profound loss not only for his family but for the basketball community as well.
The Denver Nuggets released a statement expressing their support for Aaron and Drew’s three children during this difficult time. Though Drew’s NBA career comprised just nine games with the Philadelphia 76ers, his journey across the basketball world was extensive and impactful. Over a 12-year professional career, he played in a variety of international leagues, including stints in Serbia, Italy, Turkey, France, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, and Japan, showcasing his talents on numerous global stages.
Drew Gordon’s basketball story began in earnest at UCLA, where he was a standout from the start. However, he truly flourished after transferring to New Mexico midway through his sophomore year. He earned all-conference honors twice in New Mexico and was named MVP of the 2012 Mountain West Tournament. He concluded his college career with impressive averages of 13.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game in his senior year.
Despite going undrafted in 2012, Gordon’s resilience led him to the NBA summer league with the Dallas Mavericks and eventually to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he briefly played in the 2014 regular season. His basketball prowess shone brightly overseas, where he garnered All-Star selections in both France and Russia and celebrated a championship victory in the 2014 Italian Cup.
His brother, Aaron Gordon, who followed a more high-profile path into basketball, was drafted fourth overall in 2014 and won an NBA championship with the Nuggets last season. Drew celebrated this milestone alongside him, a testament to the brothers’ close bond.
Drew Gordon’s legacy extends beyond the hardwood. His diverse career across multiple countries and his contributions on and off the court left a lasting impression on teammates, coaches, and fans around the world. His sudden passing is a stark reminder of the transient nature of life, even for those who seem invincible on the sports field. As the basketball community mourns his loss, Drew Gordon is remembered not just for the games he played, but for the spirited and dynamic life he led.