Last Updated on October 12, 2026 by Candida Lucia

Aaron Gordon is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA. Born on September 16, 1995, in San Jose, California, Gordon is widely recognized for his exceptional athleticism, spectacular dunks and important contributions to Denver’s 2023 NBA championship. Beyond his basketball achievements, he comes from a family with a remarkable sporting background, including parents who participated in competitive athletics and siblings who pursued basketball careers.
Aaron Gordon’s parents are Ed Gordon and Shelly Davis Gordon. His older brother, Drew Gordon, was also a professional basketball player before his tragic death in May 2024, while his older sister, Elisabeth “Elise” Gordon, played college basketball at Harvard University and later became involved in managing Aaron’s professional career. Although the Nuggets forward has previously been linked romantically to Dakota Gonzalez and Brazilian model Izabela Guedes, his current relationship status remains private. He has also developed a close relationship with his late brother’s three children.
Aaron Gordon’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Aaron Gordon has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend in 2026. Although the NBA star has been involved in relationships that attracted media attention, he has generally preferred to keep his romantic life separate from his professional basketball career.
Over the years, Gordon has been linked to several women, most notably Brazilian model Izabela Guedes and former college basketball player Dakota Gonzalez.
However, neither woman has been publicly confirmed as his current partner, and there has been no reliable announcement establishing that Gordon is married.
Izabela Guedes: Aaron Gordon’s Former Girlfriend
Izabela Guedes is a Brazilian model, makeup artist and social media personality who previously dated Aaron Gordon.
Their relationship became publicly known in 2020, when Gordon was playing for the Orlando Magic. The couple occasionally appeared together on social media, attracting attention from basketball fans and entertainment publications.
Guedes had already developed a career in fashion and modeling before becoming associated with the NBA player. In February 2021, she made headlines after being named Playboy’s first seasonal Playmate, representing the magazine’s Winter 2021 edition.
During this period, entertainment and sports publications regularly identified Guedes as Gordon’s girlfriend.
However, their relationship reportedly ended in 2021. A November 2024 article published by EssentiallySports indicated that the couple had separated in August 2021, although neither publicly provided a detailed explanation for their breakup.
There is no reliable evidence establishing that Gordon and Guedes have resumed their relationship or subsequently married.
Dakota Gonzalez: Aaron Gordon’s Previous Relationship
Before his relationship with Izabela Guedes, Aaron Gordon was romantically linked to Dakota Gonzalez, an American former college basketball player, singer and social media personality.
Gonzalez played college basketball at the University of Kansas and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). She later pursued opportunities in music alongside her twin sister, Dylan Gonzalez.
Reports about Gordon’s dating history have linked him to Dakota during the late 2010s. Their relationship reportedly ended before Gordon began dating Guedes.
However, the precise beginning and ending dates of their relationship have not been consistently established through authoritative sources.
Gonzalez is not publicly identified as Gordon’s current girlfriend or wife.
What Has Aaron Gordon Said About Marriage?
Although Aaron Gordon rarely discusses his romantic relationships in detail, he spoke about dating and marriage during a November 2023 appearance on Michael Porter Jr.’s podcast, Curious Mike.
During the conversation, Gordon acknowledged that dating as a professional basketball player could be difficult because of the attention surrounding his career and financial success.
He shared an experience in which he noticed that a woman had searched for information about his net worth while they were on a date.
Gordon also expressed an interest in eventually settling down and getting married. He suggested that he could imagine being married within approximately five years of the interview.
Those comments reflected his thoughts about a possible future marriage rather than confirming that he was already engaged or married.
As of now, Aaron Gordon has no publicly confirmed wife or current girlfriend, and his relationship status remains undisclosed.
Aaron Gordon’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
Aaron Gordon has not publicly confirmed having any biological or adopted children. His official NBA biography and reliable interviews do not identify him as a father.
However, Gordon has taken on an especially important family role following the death of his older brother, Drew Gordon, in May 2024.
Drew was survived by three sons, making Aaron their uncle. After his brother’s death, the Denver Nuggets forward became increasingly involved in supporting his nephews and maintaining a close relationship with them.
In an April 29, 2025, interview with Andscape, Gordon discussed how spending time with his nephews had helped him navigate the emotional difficulties following his brother’s passing.
He explained that his love for his brother’s children and his dedication to basketball were among the things helping him cope with the loss.
According to the same report, Gordon encouraged his sister-in-law, Angela Gordon, and her two younger sons to relocate to the Denver area so he could spend more time with them.
He also maintained regular contact with Drew’s eldest son, who lived with his mother in New Mexico.
Angela praised Aaron for consistently supporting the children and providing them with love, guidance and encouragement.
His sister Elise also described him as an exceptionally involved uncle who regularly plays basketball and spends recreational time with the boys.
Although Gordon has not publicly confirmed having children of his own, his dedication to his nephews has become an important part of his personal story.
Aaron Gordon’s Parents: Meet His Father and Mother
Aaron Gordon was born to Ed Gordon and Shelly Davis Gordon in San Jose, California. Both parents have athletic backgrounds and played important roles in developing their children’s interest in basketball and other sports.
The Gordon family became especially recognizable in California basketball circles because all three children competed at a high level during their school years.
Ed Gordon: Aaron Gordon’s Father
Ed Gordon, also identified as Eddy Gordon in official NBA records, is the father of Aaron Gordon and a former college basketball and football player.
He attended San Diego State University, where he participated in both sports. As a basketball player, Ed wore jersey number 32, a number that later became especially meaningful to the Gordon family.
After college, Ed pursued a professional football opportunity with the New England Patriots as a tight end. Although he did not establish a long NFL career, his athletic background provided valuable experience that he later shared with his children.
He also played professional basketball in Mexico.
While raising his family in San Jose, Ed frequently brought his children to local basketball courts, including Paul Moore Park, where they watched him participate in pickup games.
Those experiences helped introduce Aaron, Drew and Elise to basketball from an early age.
All three children eventually wore number 32 while attending Archbishop Mitty High School, reflecting their father’s influence.
Ed also supported Aaron during his development as a nationally recognized high school prospect and later during his college basketball career at the University of Arizona.
He remained closely involved with the family following Drew’s death. During the 2025 NBA playoffs, Ed attended games alongside his daughter-in-law Angela and his grandchildren to support Aaron.
His sporting background and long-standing commitment to his children have made him an important figure in the Gordon family’s basketball legacy.
Shelly Davis Gordon: Aaron Gordon’s Mother
Shelly Davis Gordon is Aaron Gordon’s mother and the wife of former college athlete Ed Gordon.
She raised Aaron alongside his older siblings, Drew and Elise, in San Jose, California.
Although basketball became the family’s most recognizable sport, Shelly also encouraged her children to explore other athletic activities.
In a January 2014 ESPN feature, she explained how an experience during a business trip to Bavaria, Germany, helped introduce ice hockey to the family.
After purchasing ice skates for Drew, she discovered that her eldest son enjoyed skating. Eventually, the entire family became involved in the activity.
Shelly participated in ice hockey with a company team, while Ed joined a club team. Drew developed considerable ability in the sport before concentrating on basketball.
Aaron and Elise also spent time around hockey practices during their childhood.
This willingness to encourage different sporting interests contributed to the children’s broad athletic development.
Shelly was also closely involved in her children’s educational decisions and basketball recruitment processes.
When Aaron became a highly regarded basketball prospect, she and Ed used their experiences with Drew and Elise to help evaluate his college opportunities.
During Aaron’s transition to the NBA in 2014, the family also considered how best to support him while he adjusted to professional basketball at a young age.
Ultimately, Elise moved to Orlando and became involved in managing Aaron’s personal and professional affairs.
Shelly’s influence extended beyond athletics, emphasizing the importance of education, family relationships and providing a supportive environment for her children.
Aaron Gordon’s Siblings: Meet His Brother and Sister
Aaron Gordon has two older siblings: Drew Gordon and Elisabeth “Elise” Gordon. Both followed basketball paths before Aaron entered the NBA, contributing to the family’s reputation for producing talented athletes.
While Drew built a professional basketball career in the United States and overseas, Elise played at Harvard University before moving into sports management.
Drew Gordon: Aaron Gordon’s Older Brother
Drew Gordon was Aaron Gordon’s older brother and a former professional basketball player. Born on July 12, 1990, in San Jose, California, he became a prominent basketball prospect while attending Archbishop Mitty High School.
Drew was selected as a McDonald’s All-American in 2008 and subsequently began his college basketball career at UCLA.
He later transferred to the University of New Mexico, where he became one of the Mountain West Conference’s leading rebounders.
During his senior season in 2011–12, Drew averaged 13.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, helping New Mexico win the Mountain West championship.
After going undrafted in the 2012 NBA Draft, he pursued professional basketball opportunities in several countries.
His career included appearances for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2014–15 NBA season, as well as extensive experience in European basketball.
He played professionally in countries including France, Italy, Lithuania, Russia, Serbia and Ukraine.
Despite following different professional paths, Aaron and Drew maintained a close relationship. Aaron frequently credited his older brother with helping him understand the demands of professional basketball.
What Happened to Aaron Gordon’s Brother Drew?
On May 30, 2024, Drew Gordon died in a vehicle collision in Clackamas County, Oregon. He was 33 years old.
His death was confirmed by the University of New Mexico Athletics Department, which paid tribute to his college basketball achievements and professional career.
Drew was survived by his wife, Angela Gordon, and three sons.
The tragedy deeply affected Aaron, who had described his brother as an important mentor and one of the closest people in his life.
In honor of Drew, Aaron changed his Denver Nuggets jersey number from 50 to 32 ahead of the 2024–25 NBA season.
The number carried considerable meaning within the Gordon family. Their father had worn 32 at San Diego State, while Drew wore the same number during his college career at New Mexico.
Aaron explained that wearing the number allowed him to feel connected to his late brother.
In subsequent interviews, he spoke about how Drew’s death changed his outlook on family, relationships and personal responsibilities.
He also became more involved in the lives of Drew’s children, honoring the close bond the brothers had shared.
Elisabeth “Elise” Gordon: Aaron Gordon’s Older Sister
Elisabeth Gordon, commonly known as Elise Gordon, is Aaron Gordon’s older sister, a former college basketball player and a sports management professional.
Like her brothers, Elise attended Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, where she became a successful basketball player.
She helped her school win two California state championships before continuing her basketball career at Harvard University.
At Harvard, Elise played for the women’s basketball team while pursuing her education. She graduated in 2014, the same year Aaron entered the NBA.
When Aaron was drafted by the Orlando Magic, Elise became closely involved in helping him adjust to the responsibilities of professional basketball.
She moved to Orlando and worked as his personal manager, handling matters including scheduling, travel arrangements, endorsements and other business responsibilities.
In an October 2016 interview with Andscape, Elise explained that the family wanted Aaron to have someone trustworthy supporting him during his early years in the league.
Her Harvard education and close relationship with her younger brother made her well suited to the role.
Elise subsequently developed a career in professional sports management and became involved in representing basketball players.
She and Drew also worked together in sports management through the LVL Group.
By 2025, Elise was serving as one of Aaron’s agents, continuing her involvement in his professional career.
Following Drew’s death, she spoke publicly about how the family had become even more united through their shared grief.
Her combination of sporting experience, business knowledge and family loyalty has made her an important figure in Aaron Gordon’s career beyond the basketball court.
Aaron Gordon’s Family Background and Basketball Legacy
The Gordon family has a sporting history extending across multiple generations of athletic involvement.
Ed Gordon competed in basketball and football at San Diego State, while Shelly Davis Gordon encouraged her children to participate in different sports, including ice hockey.
Their three children eventually pursued competitive basketball careers, with Drew reaching the NBA and playing professionally overseas, Elise competing at Harvard and Aaron becoming an NBA champion.
Growing up in San Jose, Aaron developed his basketball skills while attending Archbishop Mitty High School.
He became one of the country’s highest-rated high school basketball prospects and subsequently attended the University of Arizona.
After one season with the Wildcats, Gordon entered the 2014 NBA Draft and was selected fourth overall by the Orlando Magic.
He established himself as one of the NBA’s most athletic forwards, gaining international recognition through his performances in the Slam Dunk Contest.
Following his trade to the Denver Nuggets in March 2021, Gordon became an important part of a championship-winning team alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
In June 2023, Denver won its first NBA championship, giving Gordon the opportunity to celebrate a major professional milestone alongside his family.
Drew attended the championship celebrations, making the achievement an especially meaningful shared memory for the brothers.
Following Drew’s death the next year, family relationships took on an even greater importance for Aaron.
Through his support for his nephews and continued collaboration with Elise, Gordon has demonstrated that his family remains closely connected to both his personal life and professional career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aaron Gordon’s Family
Who is Aaron Gordon’s girlfriend?
Aaron Gordon has not publicly confirmed a current girlfriend. He previously dated Brazilian model Izabela Guedes and has also been linked to former college basketball player Dakota Gonzalez.
Is Aaron Gordon married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Aaron Gordon is married. In a November 2023 podcast interview, he discussed the possibility of getting married in the future.
Does Aaron Gordon have children?
Aaron Gordon has not publicly confirmed having any children of his own. However, he is closely involved in the lives of his late brother Drew Gordon’s three sons.
Who are Aaron Gordon’s parents?
Aaron Gordon’s parents are Ed Gordon, a former San Diego State basketball and football player, and Shelly Davis Gordon, who helped raise their three children in San Jose, California.
Who is Aaron Gordon’s father?
His father is Ed Gordon, also known as Eddy Gordon. He played college basketball and football at San Diego State and had an opportunity with the NFL’s New England Patriots.
Who is Aaron Gordon’s mother?
Aaron Gordon’s mother is Shelly Davis Gordon. She played an important role in supporting the education and sporting development of Aaron and his older siblings.
How many siblings does Aaron Gordon have?
Aaron Gordon has two older siblings: Drew Gordon, a former professional basketball player who died in May 2024, and Elisabeth “Elise” Gordon, a Harvard graduate and sports agent.
What happened to Aaron Gordon’s brother?
Aaron Gordon’s older brother, Drew Gordon, died in a vehicle collision in Oregon on May 30, 2024, at the age of 33.
Why does Aaron Gordon wear number 32?
Aaron Gordon changed his jersey number from 50 to 32 in 2024 to honor his late brother Drew. Their father, Ed Gordon, and several other family members had previously worn number 32 during their basketball careers.
Who is Aaron Gordon’s sister?
His sister is Elisabeth “Elise” Gordon, who played college basketball at Harvard University and later became involved in managing and representing her younger brother.
Does Aaron Gordon have nephews?
Yes. Aaron Gordon has three nephews through his late brother Drew. He has played an important role in their lives since Drew’s death in 2024.

Candida Lucia is a sports journalist and NBA writer specializing in tactical game analysis, player development, and league coverage. With an eye for on-court execution and team dynamics, she delivers detailed breakdowns of strategy, roster updates, and key performance trends. Passionate about bringing readers closer to the game, Candida offers engaging insights on every aspect of the NBA season, from regular-season battles to the Finals.
