Former NBA player Drew Gordon, 33, died in a car crash in Portland, Oregon on Thursday, his agent Calvin Andrews and the Denver Nuggets confirmed to ESPN.
Gordon played nine games for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2014-2015 season.
Born in San Jose, California, he was the older brother of current Denver Nuggets player Aaron Gordon.
He also played in the G League, Serbia, Sardinia, Turkey, France, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine, and for three teams in Russia.
A former McDonald’s All-American, he played in college at UCLA and in New Mexico.
Gordon withdrew from professional basketball in 2023, posting on his X (formerly Twitter) account at that time, thanking the sport and his supporters.
“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,” he said on X.
After retiring from professional basketball, he co-founded, with his sister, LVL (Limitless Victories and Legacies) group, a career management firm for athletes.
He is survived by his wife, Angela, and three children.
The Denver Nuggets posted their condolences on their X account.
“The Denver Nuggets organization is devastated to learn about the tragic passing of Drew Gordon. Drew was far too young to leave this world, but his legacy will forever live on through his three beautiful children and all of his loved ones. Our hearts are with Aaron and the Gordon family during this extremely difficult time.”
Marc J. Spears, senior writer at ESPN, also wrote about Gordon’s passing on his X account.
“Rest in Peace to a great man, father, brother, all around person and basketball player who traveled the world playing the game. My prayers to his wife, children and family. So happy I got to be in his presence in April in Portland. Will miss you brother. Horrible news.”
Another former NBA player died on Monday after a battle with cancer. Bill Walton, a Hall of Fame player, died at the age of 71.
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