The Denver Nuggets are off to a blazing 9-2 start, but since the beginning of November, their star center, Nikola Jokic, has only attempted 18 shots, including just one field goal attempt in Wednesday’s two-point loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. In the last four games, Jokic has averaged 5.8 points per game and 7.8 assists per game, and while the Nuggets have won three of those games, the team will likely need Jokic to be more assertive to have any chance of making a deep playoff run.

The Truth said he believes Denver has the talent to reach the Western Conference Finals despite their lack of experience. If that is going to happen, Jokic will have to regain his confidence and play like he has shown he is capable of.

“In my fourth year in the league, I went from no playoffs to the Eastern Conference Finals, my first year in the playoffs,” Pierce said. “They got an all-star centerpiece, they got guard play, and think about this: just think if Isaiah can come back and give them something, Willie Barton coming back. They are deep.”