Heading into the 2026 NBA Playoffs, the Denver Nuggets have the best player in the league, in the eyes of an NBA legend.
Former Boston Celtics guard Paul Pierce believes that the Nuggets are legitimate threats in a tough Western Conference. The presence of Nikola Jokic is the reason why.
âDenver is going to scare you because they got the best player in the league,” Pierce said of Jokic on KG Certified. “He is the best player in the league. After I saw what he did to Wemby, he is the best player. The shots he was hitting off Wemby in the crucialâhe is the best player.”
GettyNikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets shoots against Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at Ball Arena on April 4, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.
Amid the Nuggets’ red-hot streak down the stretch of the 2025-2026 regular season, Jokic put together a memorable performance against the San Antonio Spurs on April 4.
Facing Victor Wembanyama’s second-seeded team, Jokic checked in for 43 minutes to help the Nuggets pick up a 136-134 overtime victory.
The star center shot 13-25 from the field to score 40 points. He finished the game with a double-double by racking up 13 assists and coming down with eight rebounds.
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 24: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball under pressure from Royce O’Neale #00 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on March 24, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
It was an MVP-caliber performance from Jokic. While Pierce doesn’t believe that Jokic will have the proper support to fully lock in the MVP award, that doesn’t change his personal opinion.
“Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander] is the MVP, but Joker is the best player. I donât want to count out San Antonio, but I like Denver in a playoff setting this year against San Antonio,” Pierce said.
The Nuggets’ Upcoming Playoff Run
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 25: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena on December 25, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
With the Nuggets being a three-seed, many are thinking ahead.
There is a possible Jokic-Wembanyama series that NBA fans would certainly love. However, Jokic and his team have to take care of business in round one first.
The Nuggets are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves for a seven-game series. The two teams have been balanced in their competition in recent years. This season, the Nuggets have Minnesota’s number. In four matchups, the Nuggets have won all but one game.
The series will begin on Saturday, April 18.
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