Drew Gordon, the older brother of Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, tragically passed away in a car accident in Portland, Oregon. Gordon’s agent, Calvin Andrews, confirmed the news to ESPN late Thursday. Drew Gordon was 33 years old.
Early Life and Basketball Career
Born in San Jose, California, Gordon was a standout basketball player from a young age. He began his collegiate career at UCLA, having received offers from top-tier programs like Duke, North Carolina, and Arizona. Gordon spent two successful years with the Bruins before transferring to the University of New Mexico for his junior season. At New Mexico, he excelled, averaging at least 13 points and 10 rebounds per game in each of his two seasons. This performance caught the attention of NBA scouts.
Despite his impressive college statistics, Gordon was not selected in the 2012 NBA Draft. He started his professional career by playing for the Dallas Mavericks in the Summer League. Following this, he played in various foreign leagues and the G League before signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. Gordon played nine games for the 76ers during the 2014-15 season before being waived in December.
Gordon’s professional career spanned nearly a decade, with most of it taking place overseas. He played in leagues in Serbia, Italy, Turkey, France, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, and Japan. One of the highlights of his international career was being named an All-Star in France in 2015. Gordon retired from professional basketball in 2023.
Family and Community Support
Drew Gordon is survived by his wife, Angela, and their three children. The Denver Nuggets have expressed their support for Aaron Gordon and his family during this difficult time. The basketball community has come together to honor Gordon’s memory, recognizing his contributions both on and off the court.