In last season’s Western Conference Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers were swept by the Denver Nuggets. However, the Lakers have made significant moves during the offseason to bridge the gap between them and the reigning champions. One of their notable signings is Gabe Vincent, a former Miami Heat guard who competed against the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 NBA Finals.

During an interview on The Old Man and The Three podcast with JJ Redick, Vincent was asked about the challenge of facing the Denver Nuggets. He candidly expressed his thoughts on what makes them such a formidable opponent.

“I think we have to give credit to Aaron Gordon,” Vincent explained.

“I don’t think we can talk about the Denver Nuggets without mentioning him. Just his efficiency and the way he plays, his size, his strength. He really is to me, the only real four left in the game… He can stretch the floor a bit, it’s not his greatest strength, but he does it enough to keep you honest. His size and physicality I think really hurt us.”

Vincent acknowledged that Aaron Gordon, a player often underrated in the league, adds tremendous value to the Nuggets, alongside stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

Although Gordon may not receive the national recognition he deserves, his abilities and contributions are highly respected throughout the NBA. Vincent personally witnessed Gordon’s impact on the biggest stage of professional basketball, further solidifying this sentiment.

Gordon averaged 14 points, 7.4 rebounds, and three assists in 35.7 minutes over five games in the NBA Finals, including an epic performance to lead the Nuggets in the 108-95 Game 4 win in Miami on June 9 with a playoff career-high 27 points on 11-of-15 shooting, seven rebounds and six assists.