1. Nikola Jokic, Center
There is no doubt as to who is the best draft pick that Karnisovas had since he took an executive role with the Nuggets prior to the start of the 2013-14 campaign. In the 2014 NBA Draft, the best pick for the Nuggets actually wouldn’t come from that crucial draft night swap of Nurkic and Harris for McDermott with the Bulls, it would come in the second round.
With the 41st overall pick in the second round of the 2014 draft, Karnisovas and the Nuggets would select the seven-footer and 250 pound Serbian big man Nikola Jokic. The All-Rookie Team selection, two-time All-Star selection, one-time All-NBA honoree, and 2018-19 NBA MVP finalist (finished top five in the final voting), is possibly the best player taken overall in this draft class.
There is a good argument that exists between Jokic and former Kansas Jayhawks center (currently with the Sixers) Joel Embiid for who the best 2014 draft pick was in the modern day. But Jokic does lead this entire draft class in total win shares, box plus/minus rating, value over replacement player rating, and win shares per 48 minutes, for his career in the regular season.
In the current season that is placed on hold, Jokic played in 65 games while averaging 20.2 points per game, 10.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.7 blocks, while shooting 52.8 percent from the field and around 32.0 percent from beyond the arc. He should be looking at his second All-NBA Team selection and another finalist round up in the MVP voting this season (whenever it concludes).