Although the success of a team is frequently predicated on the play of its captain or star players, it would be wise to evaluate the importance of role players.

Players that normally fail to dominate the stat sheet yet can effect the game in big ways. And while these role players may not command a huge deal, they are often important to a club.

One such example is Denver Nuggets forward, Aaron Gordon . Traded by the Orlando Magic in March 2021 for a package of Gary Harris , RJ Hampton, and a 2025 first-round selection, Gordon has since established himself as one of the most key players for the ultimate champions and a perfect running mate for a future Hall-of-Famer.

Drafted fourth overall by the Magic in 2014, Gordon joined the league with an extraordinary amount of potential. A freshman from the University of Arizona, Gordon surged into the spotlight owing to his versatility and astounding athleticism.

But things did not go as well as he wanted in his rookie year. Only starting eight games, Gordon concluded his first year with 5.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.

Gordon performed consistently well. And he won a berth in the Dunk Contest that led to probably one of the greatest contests in NBA history as he battled toe-to-toe with then Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine in 2016.

However, he was raw. While there were glimpses of Gordon fulfilling his potential early, it wasn’t until his third year that Gordon secured a place as a primary starter and saw a substantial jump in his stats.

But it wasn’t enough. Two consecutive losing seasons with one failing to result in a playoff appearance meant it was time for a change inside the organization. And thus, a trade was arranged that sent Gordon to the Nuggets.

After losing versatile forward Jerami Grant to free agency, the Nuggets needed another proven option to take his place. Considering Grant’s 11.6 PPG in the playoffs during his lone season with the Nuggets, it would be a difficult job.

After all, Grant would go on to place second in Most Improved Player voting, behind  New York Knicks forward Julius Randle .

So, enter Gordon. Arguably an upgrade over Grant, Gordon averaged 14.4 PPG during his last full season with the Magic and finished with the 17th most triple-doubles of the season. By all accounts, he was an enhancement.

But his effectiveness is what has struck me the most since going to Denver. Playing alongside multi-MVP winner Nikola Jokic has helped Gordon to prosper when playing off-ball.

Gordon has established himself as a danger to cut on the baseline and receive lob passes from Jokic on a routine basis. He has adapted easily with his new squad and has emerged as one of the more efficient players on the attacking end of the floor during the postseason. So efficient, that he ranks 16th all-time in offensive efficiency in the playoffs.

While Grant played well during his season in Denver, Gordon is a much better fit. He is a superior rebounder and his quickness allows him to run the floor and provide support to Jokic when needed,

Gordon isn’t asked to do much, he has Jokic and a plethora of guards to shoulder much of the weight. But he steps up when needed. go no farther than the opening round of the 2024 Playoffs where he averaged 13.8 PPG, 9.8 RPG, and 4.6 APG.

The return for both the Nuggets and Magic appears to be one-sided as Gordon has proved to be more useful for his new team compared to the items the Magic got in the trade.

Harris is the lone player that has returned favorable results for the Magic, averaging 9 PPG throughout his four years in Orlando.

Gordon has blossomed and was a critical ingredient in not only the Nuggets’ championship run but for the 2024 season as well.