The morning sun spilled over the terracotta rooftops of Sassari, casting a warm glow on the PalaSerradimigni arena. Inside, the echoes of past triumphs seemed to hum through the rafters; a fitting backdrop for a visit that was as much about memory as it was about basketball.
Aaron Gordon, NBA champion with the Denver Nuggets, walked onto the court not as a star forward, but as a younger brother. Flanked by his family, he returned to the home of Dinamo Sassari, the Sardinian club where his late brother, Drew Gordon, had etched his name into team history during the 2013-14 season.
For the Gordon family, this was no ordinary stop on a European trip. It was a pilgrimage. Drew had been more than just a player here, he was a cornerstone of the squad that captured the Coppa Italia, a victory that still lives vividly in the hearts of Sassari fans. His relentless energy, rebounding prowess, and infectious smile had made him a fan favorite.
As Aaron stepped onto the hardwood, club president Stefano Sardara presented him with a white-and-blue Dinamo jersey – Number 11, Drew’s number. Aaron slipped it on without hesitation, the fabric carrying the weight of both pride and loss.
“This is where Drew played some of his best basketball,” Aaron said softly, his voice carrying across the empty stands. “But more than that, this is where he was happy.”
Aaron and his family honored his brother Drew with a visit to the Sardinian basketball club where he played in 2013-14 💙
📸 @dinamo_sassari pic.twitter.com/G15QM33W8i
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) September 20, 2025
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The visit wasn’t just ceremonial. The Gordon family met with current players, coaches, and staff, sharing stories of Drew’s time in Sassari. Drew’s wife, Angela, was visibly moved, recalling how the city had embraced them during those seasons.
As the Gordons left the court, Aaron paused for one last look at the banners hanging above. Somewhere in that quiet moment, the cheers of 2014 seemed to rise again, carrying Drew’s legacy forward, not just in Sardinia, but in every place where basketball is more than a game.
