Drew Gordon, a former NBA forward and the elder brother of Denver Nuggets player Aaron Gordon, tragically passed away in a car accident in Portland, Oregon, as confirmed by his agent Calvin Andrews and the Nuggets to ESPN’s Andscape. He was 33 years old.

During the 2014-15 season, Gordon appeared in nine games for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Originally from San Jose, California, Gordon’s professional basketball career spanned various leagues and countries, including stints in the G League, Serbia, Sardinia, Turkey, France, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine, and three teams in Russia.

Prior to his professional career, Gordon showcased his talent at the collegiate level, playing for UCLA and New Mexico after earning the prestigious honor of being named a McDonald’s All American.

He is survived by his wife, Angela, and their three children.

The news of the passing of Drew Gordon, former NBA player and elder brother of Aaron Gordon, struck a deep chord of sorrow within the NBA community and beyond. Aaron Gordon, the talented forward for the Denver Nuggets, was particularly devastated by the loss of his beloved brother in a tragic car accident at the young age of 33.

The bond between the Gordon brothers extended far beyond the basketball court. Drew’s sudden departure left Aaron grappling with a profound sense of loss, as he not only mourned the passing of a family member but also a cherished mentor and confidant. Drew’s presence had been a constant source of inspiration and guidance for Aaron throughout his own basketball journey, shaping him into the player and person he had become.

As Aaron navigated the tumultuous waves of grief, memories of their shared experiences flooded his mind—the countless hours spent practicing together, the words of encouragement whispered in moments of doubt, and the unbreakable bond forged through the highs and lows of life. Drew’s passion for the game of basketball and his unwavering support had been a guiding light for Aaron, instilling in him a sense of determination and resilience that would carry him through the toughest of challenges.

Beyond the basketball court, Drew’s legacy extended into the hearts and lives of those who knew him best. Known for his warmth, kindness, and infectious laughter, Drew had touched the lives of many with his genuine spirit and unwavering generosity. His sudden absence left a void that could never be filled, leaving loved ones grappling with the pain of his untimely departure.

As Aaron Gordon faced the daunting task of coming to terms with his brother’s passing, he found solace in the outpouring of love and support from teammates, friends, and fans alike. Though the pain of loss would never fully dissipate, Aaron resolved to honor Drew’s memory by carrying forth his legacy of passion, perseverance, and love.

In the wake of Drew’s passing, Aaron Gordon’s journey took on a new dimension, as he carried the weight of his brother’s memory with him on and off the court. Every shot, every victory, and every defeat served as a tribute to the man who had shaped him into the person he had become. Through his grief, Aaron found strength in the memories they had shared and the love that would endure long after Drew’s passing.

As the NBA community mourned the loss of one of its own, Aaron Gordon stood as a testament to the enduring power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. Though Drew’s physical presence may have departed, his spirit lived on in the hearts of all who had been touched by his remarkable life, forever remembered and cherished in the annals of basketball history.

Drew Gordon, the older brother of Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, has died in a car accident in Portland, Oregon, his agent, Calvin Andrews, confirmed to ESPN late Thursday. Gordon was 33 years old.

A standout basketball player in his own right, Gordon began his collegiate career at UCLA after receiving offers from blue blood programs like Duke, North Carolina and Arizona. Despite two relatively successful years as a Bruin, Gordon elected to transfer to New Mexico for his junior season. He averaged at least 13 points and 10 rebounds per game in each of his two seasons as a Lobo, and with that performance, he put himself on the NBA’s radar.

He ultimately was not drafted in 2012, but played for the Dallas Mavericks in Summer League. From there, he bounced between foreign leagues and the G League before ultimately signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, his only NBA team. He played in nine games for the 76ers during the 2014-15 season before ultimately getting waived in December. 

He played nearly a decade of professional basketball after that, most of it coming abroad. The highlight of that foreign career was being named an All-Star in France in 2015. Gordon retired from basketball in 2023.