After relocating to Denver, Aaron Gordon constructed a home that allows him to play basketball around-the-clock.
Aaron Gordon
Aaron Gordon, when reflecting on his championship voyage, attributed his newfound success to the sanctuary he created in his Denver home. Gordon began his NBA career with the Orlando Magic, but was given a fresh start in March 2021 when he was traded to the Denver Nuggets. Aaron described his time in Orlando as “like having your foot on the gas and the brake at the same time.”
Gordon shared his vision of building a home equipped with a half-court, weight room, and other training facilities that would enable him to improve his game without restrictions with his agent, family, and close friends after relocating and settling into his new surroundings. Despite initial opposition, Gordon’s unyielding determination swiftly made this ambitious objective a reality.
Finding home in Denver
Gordon fell in love with Denver and purchased numerous residences in the city, considering it a potential long-term home. His basketball-themed residence was centered on a two-story warehouse in an unremarkable industrial neighborhood. The warehouse was converted into a beautiful residence with a master bedroom, guest chamber, new flooring, and an NBA-approved basketball court. During the renovation, a sauna, cold and hot baths seamlessly integrated into the floor, a fully equipped weight room relocated from his previous home in Orlando, an exercise bike, and additional amenities were added.
In addition to a complete kitchen and dining room, Gordon’s warehouse residence included a large bar/kitchenette and a garage that housed an Aston Martin. The ambiance was elevated by a game room with a billiard table and a collection of classic automobiles. In addition, plans were underway to construct a library to accommodate Gordon’s passion for literature. Gordon’s refuge combined elegance and functionality flawlessly, with his AG insignia inscribed on the court as a tribute to his AAU days with the Oakland Soldiers.
Basketball court with impact on the league
The basketball court, which had been completed the previous summer, served as Gordon’s offseason training facility. He obtained the necessary permissions to make the warehouse his permanent residence, demonstrating his commitment to realizing his maximum potential. The warehouse served as Gordon’s personal sanctuary and a gathering place for Nuggets players and coaches, who eagerly joined Gordon for exercises.
Even Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard recognized the facility’s appeal and traveled to Denver to practice there, requesting that the air conditioning be turned off to simulate the difficult altitude of the Mile High City.
The presence of larger-than-life celebrity icons from a variety of disciplines was one of the warehouse gym’s distinguishing characteristics. Each individual, including Muhammad Ali, Bruce Lee, Maya Angelou, and Michael Jackson, was chosen on purpose to provide daily inspiration. Their accomplishment served as a daily reminder to Gordon to remain focused and committed to his goals.
Dedication and hard work paid off for Aaron Gordon
During his most impressive season with the Nuggets, Gordon averaged 16.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3 assists per game during the regular season. Gordon embraced his role as a complementary player alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray despite not being selected as an NBA All-Star for the first time.
Gordon discussed his role with the Nuggets, acknowledging his position as the third option on a championship-caliber team.
“I like to play defense. That’s my specialty. I entered the league with a defensive mindset. Get in where I fit, find cuts, find openings, find transition baskets, attempt to get easy ones, and then really just get in where I fit.”
Gordon contributes to the defense by defending the most dangerous offensive threats throughout the postseason. His extraordinary defensive abilities helped neutralize league players such as Karl-Anthony Towns, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Jimmy Butler.
Gordon celebrated with his teammates and proudly donned the NBA Champion shirt and hat after the finals buzzer sounded. He shared tender moments with his coworkers and loved ones, reveling in the pleasure of their shared accomplishment. Gordon’s voyage in basketball, characterized by commitment, sacrifice, and tenacity, culminated in this triumphant moment.
Overcome with emotion, he expressed gratitude for the game that had provided him with so much.
“I’ve considered growing up, my entire existence, those early mornings, and how much I’ve devoted to this game. And it immediately returned it. It returned it immediately.”
As Gordon reveled in the sensation of winning his first NBA championship, he left no doubt that his warehouse refuge had played a significant role in his personal and professional development. The potency of this one-of-a-kind arena propelled him to new heights, solidifying his position as a crucial cog in the championship quest of the Denver Nuggets. Aaron Gordon’s basketball legacy had attained an incomparable pinnacle with the memories of his warehouse sanctuary permanently etched in his mind.