In Photos: Aaron Gordon's new tattoo memorializes his brother Drew Gordon following car accident tragedy
On May 30, 2024, Andscape's Marc J. Spears reported that Aaron Gordon's brother, Drew, passed away due to an unfortunate car accident. Days after, Gordon shared pictures of his newest tattoo on Instagram which was a tribute to his late brother. Originally, the news of Drew's accident came from Gordon's agent Calvin Andrews and the Denver Nuggets.
The tattoo depicted an ape with the initials "DG" included. The tribute design is located in the Nuggets forward's upper left chest. Not much explanation was given from Gordon's end on the chosen tattoo for his brother. Additionally, he also included a heartfelt caption on his post.
"Big bruh lives through me," Gordon posted.
Drew Gordon briefly played in the NBA during the 2014-15 season for the Philadelphia 76ers. He logged over nine games and averaged 1.9 points (42.1% shooting), including 2.0 rebounds.
Aside from his time in the NBA, he also spent time playing overseas in Lithuania, Russia, Serbia, Sardinia, Turkey, France, Poland, and Ukraine.
Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone talked to Aaron Gordon's brother amid a difficult situation back in 2022 in Ukraine
In 2022, Aaron Gordon's brother was in a difficult situation with his family in Ukraine due to the incoming threat by Russia. During that time in his life, Drew Gordon had plans of finishing his one-year contract with his overseas team before heading back home.
Andscape's Marc J. Spears reported on April 21, 2022, that Drew received an urgent email notice from the U.S. Embassy with a piece of critical advice to fly back to America before Russia commences its first move. As Drew was able to head home with his family, Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone was informed of the situation by Aaron Gordon.
"I've seen Drew and told him I'm just glad you made it home all the way safely," Malone said. "You're over in Ukraine taking part in your lifelong dream of playing ball overseas. Your family is with you and a war breaks out. ... I told coaches the other day there is a war going on and we're about to play Game 1 of the playoffs. ... We're getting so numb to it."
Malone's comments shed light on how day-to-day living outside countries such as Ukraine has resulted in a somewhat carefree perspective on what's happening in the world. It was a moment of realization for the Nuggets coach who was in the middle of a playoff run.
It was all the more difficult for Aaron Gordon who had to worry about the welfare of his brother, alongside his family, as he was in a different country at the time. Thankfully enough, the U.S. Embassy email arrived just in time to give Drew Gordon time to leave the country.