Tragedy has struck the basketball landscape as former NBA player Drew Gordon was involved in a car crash in Portland, Oregon on Thursday. It has been confirmed that he has died at the young age of 33. Gordon is survived by his wife and three children.
Drew Gordon has passed away in a car accident at 33 years old. Gordon played nine games for the 76ers in the 2014-15 season and has played professionally in US and abroad since college ball at New Mexico and UCLA. Drew is the older brother of Nuggets F Aaron Gordon. RIP.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 31, 2024
Former NBA Player Drew Gordon Dies At The Age of 33
Accomplished The Goal Of Reaching The NBA
Listed at 6-9, Gordon played collegiately at UCLA for two years before transferring to New Mexico where he spent his junior and senior seasons. He averaged a double-double in points and rebounds in both his seasons with the Lobos. In 61 games with New Mexico, he posted averages of 13.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. His senior season saw him named to the All-MWC First Team.
💔 We are heartbroken over the passing of Drew Gordon. A two-time all-conference forward, he helped lead us to the 2012 Mountain West title. pic.twitter.com/tdleKSxTOF
— Lobo Basketball (@UNMLoboMBB) May 31, 2024
Gordon went undrafted in 2012. It didn’t stop him from ultimately reaching the NBA though. The power forward eventually made his NBA debut on November 13, 2014. Gordon played nine games with the Philadelphia 76ers totaling 17 points, 18 rebounds, two assists, and one steal. He also played in the G League for the Delaware 87ers and later the Long Island Nets.
Gordon had a lengthy playing career overseas. It started with signing for Partizan Belgrade in Serbia after he went undrafted. He also spent time playing all over the globe in Italy, Turkey, France, Lithuania, Russia, Poland, and Japan achieving plenty of success at his various stops.
Drew Gordon was a nightmare to face during the 2014 Italian league epic semifinal series with his incredible energy and athleticism. Our prayers are going to the family. RIP https://t.co/bCs1V1RKPB
— Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) May 31, 2024
It was less than a year ago in July of 2023 that Gordon announced his retirement from professional basketball via X.
Thank you basketball for all that you have given me! I have given you my all over the years, I’m retiring on my jersey year. Thank you to all the fans, friends and family that have supported me along my journey!! Next chapter it is! Goodbye 32 hello 33
— drew gordon (@xtraGORDONary32) July 12, 2023
Older Brother of Aaron
Drew’s brother, Aaron Gordon, currently plays for the Denver Nuggets. Aaron was the fourth overall pick of the Orlando Magic in the 2014 NBA Draft. Now ten seasons deep into his NBA career, Aaron won an NBA title with the Nuggets in 2023 as the team’s starting power forward. The 28-year-old has now spent his last three full seasons with Denver. He has career averages of 13.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.
Thoughts and prayers are with Drew Gordon’s family and friends after this tragedy.
