Following the Denver Nuggets’ surprising second-round exit at the hands of the young and hungry Oklahoma City Thunder, NBA legend Paul Pierce has sparked a fiery conversation that could send shockwaves through the league.
The former Celtics champion, who famously benefited from a game-changing roster shake-up during his own career, is now calling on the Nuggets to make a smart but seismic move — bring in DeMar DeRozan to support MVP Nikola Jokic.
Speaking candidly on the Ticket & The Truth show, Pierce didn’t hold back: “For the next five years, if you got the best player, you got to put some pieces around him. … I feel like if they had a DeMar DeRozan with that team right now, with Joker, he don’t need to be the best player or the second best player every night,” he said. Pierce emphasized that DeRozan could give Denver more than what Michael Porter Jr. is currently contributing, adding, “If he comes out there and gives you a solid 15 [points], and on a good night gives you a [double-double assists and rebounds of] five, which he can do, that’s who I would target.”
This suggestion comes as Denver navigates limited assets and cap space this offseason. With minimal room for blockbuster trades, DeRozan — a seasoned veteran likely available in free agency following internal reshuffling in Sacramento — represents a strategic, budget-conscious solution.
Pierce’s perspective is rooted in his own journey. Left unsupported for much of his early Boston career, it wasn’t until the Celtics acquired Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen that his potential truly exploded, culminating in a championship. That experience informs his take: star players can’t do it alone — not even generational talents like Jokic.
While not officially linked to Denver, DeRozan’s potential fit in the Mile High City is generating buzz. Known for his mid-range mastery, calm under pressure, and veteran leadership, he could be the missing piece to elevate the Nuggets from contenders to champions once more.
With the Western Conference growing fiercer each season, the Nuggets must act fast. If Pierce’s vision becomes reality, it might be just the spark Denver needs to reclaim its place atop the NBA throne.
