Former Philadelphia 76ers forward Drew Gordon, the younger brother of Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, died in a car accident Thursday night in Oregon. ESPN’s Marc J. Spears first reported the news..
He was 33 years old.
A native of San Jose, California, Gordon played four years at Archbishop Mitty High School and was ranked among Rivals’ top 45 players in the 2008 class.
He eventually signed with UCLA and played two seasons in his home state before transferring to New Mexico for his final two collegiate seasons.
Gordon excelled with the Lobos, averaging a double-double his junior and senior seasons and averaging 13.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game during his senior season while leading the team to the Mountain West Conference title and being named the conference tournament MVP.
He was also named to the All-MWC First Team during the 2011-12 season when the Lobos reached the third round of the NCAA Tournament.
Gordon went undrafted in 2012 and bounced around to several NBA organizations and Europe before getting his chance with the 76ers in 2014-15, appearing in nine games.
Taylor Brookhouse during a 2012 game. Getty Images
He has since played for various G League teams (at one point with the Long Island Nets) and various international teams, with his final professional games being played in Japan during the 2022-23 season.
Gordon officially retired from basketball last summer. Announcing the news on Instagram.
“I am thankful for all that basketball has given me,” he wrote. “I gave it my heart and soul. I gave it my blood, sweat and tears. Today I turn 33 and I can leave the game knowing I gave it my all!”
