3 things to watch: Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Pelicans

What’s the deal with Isaiah Thomas?

Isaiah Thomas’s Nuggets debut was long awaited. And after four months this season — and 11 months total — IT finally found the court just before the All-Star break.

And in his first couple games he looked promising. He scored eight points in his debut against the Kings, then following it with 16 points in under 16 minutes against the Mavericks.

He found his place in the offensive flow, shooting 47 percent from the field and 50 percent from 3-point range.

But in three games since, he’s faltered. He’s shooting just 36 percent from the field and the Nuggets are a -7 with him on the floor — even though they’ve outscored opponents by 29 points over that stretch.

A lot goes in to why he’s struggling, and not all of it is necessarily his fault.

Since IT returned, the Nuggets have been using a lot more three-guard lineups, putting him alongside Jamal Murray or Monte Morris with Gary Harris or Malik Beasley at small forward.

That wasn’t a big part of the Nuggets offense early in the season — partly due to gameplan, partly to injuries.

Also, IT needs the ball in his hands to be most effective. He has had success as a catch-and-shoot threat, but his bread and butter is getting to the basket.

That’s led to a lot of miscommunication, especially on pick and rolls. The more time Thomas has to gel with this team, the less of that we should see.

And though every game matters, Malone has shown he’s willing to deal with the miscues now if it means IT will be finding his place on this roster come playoff time.