Nikola Jokic
The 2014 NBA Draft was a highly anticipated event, filled with promising young talents. But with high-profile names such as Andrew Wiggins, Joel Embiid and Julius Randle, the best player to come out of this draft class was the unheralded Nikola Jokic from Serbia, the 41st pick of the draft.
Today, we will discuss who were the top 40 players selected before Nikola Jokic and where they are now.
Yes, 40 players were somehow drafted before Nikola Jokic.
40. Glenn Robinson III – Minnesota Timberwolves
TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 03: Glenn Robinson #22 of the MInnesota Timberwolves poses for a portrait during the 2014 NBA rookie photo shoot at MSG Training Center on August 3, 2014 in Tarrytown, New York. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
The only highlight in Robinson’s career was winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2017.
Where is he today?
He now plays in the G-League.
39. Jerami Grant – Philadelphia 76ers (Traded to Oklahoma City Thunder)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 1: Jerami Grant #39 of the Philadelphia 76ers in the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 1, 2015 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
After a slow start, Grant has now emerged as one of the best and most reliable two-way players in the league.
Where is he today?
Grant just signed a lucrative 5-year $160 million extension with Portland in 2023.
38. Spencer Dinwiddie – Detroit Pistons
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 22: Spencer Dinwiddie #8 of the Detroit Pistons makes a pass with pressure from Jonas Jerebko #8 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter at TD Garden on March 22, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Dinwiddie has become a solid contributor for all the teams he has played in the NBA.
Where is he today?
He now plays for the Lakers.
37. DeAndre Daniels – Toronto Raptors
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 21: DeAndre Daniels of the Wildcats looks on during the round 15 NBL match between the Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United at Perth Arena on January 21, 2015 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)
Daniels never played in the NBA but had a few stints in the G-League.
Where is he today?
His last stint was in Australia in 2022.
36. Johnny O’Bryant III – Milwaukee Bucks
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 16: Johnny O’Bryant III #77 of the Milwaukee Bucks grabs a rebound between DeAndre Jordan #6 and Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on December 16, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Yes, Johnny O’Bryant III was drafted before Nikola Jokic. O’Bryant had a brief NBA career before pursuing opportunities outside of the league.
Where is he today?
He has been playing in Japan since 2023.
35. Jarnell Stokes – Utah Jazz (Traded to Memphis Grizzlies)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 12: Jarnell Stokes #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center on March 12, 2015 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Stokes failed to capitalize on the hype that surrounded him since high school and lasted just a few seasons in the NBA.
Where is he today?
He hasn’t played basketball since 2020.
34. Cleanthony Early – New York Knicks
TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 03: Cleanthony Early #17 of the New York Knicks poses for a portrait during the 2014 NBA rookie photo shoot at MSG Training Center on August 3, 2014 in Tarrytown, New York. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
Injuries hindered Early’s career in the NBA. He has since embarked on an international career.
Where is he today?
He now plays in Lebanon.
33. Joe Harris – Cleveland Cavaliers
BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 14: Joe Harris #12 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on in the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on November 14, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
Harris has become one of the NBA’s premier three-point shooters in recent years. His skills are a valuable commodity in today’s era.
Where is he today?
After seven years with Brooklyn, Harris was traded to Detroit this offseason. He is now a free agent.
32. K.J. McDaniels – Philadelphia 76ers
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 1: K.J. McDaniels #14 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks the ball against the Miami Heat on November 1, 2014 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
McDaniels played for multiple NBA teams before pursuing international opportunities.
Where is he today?
McDaniels has been plying his trade in Asia, particularly in the Philippines and Indonesia.
31. Damien Inglis – Milwaukee Bucks
Inglis transitioned to playing overseas after two years in the NBA.
Where is he today?
He has a steady career in Europe and now plays in Spain.
30. Kyle Anderson – San Antonio Spurs
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 14: Kyle Anderson #1 of the San Antonio Spurs drives past Jeremy Lin #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 14, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. The Spurs won 93-80. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Anderson has carved out a nice career in the association with his steady play and savvy basketball IQ.
Where is he today?
Anderson has been a solid contributor for Minnesota since 2022.
29. Josh Huestis – Oklahoma City Thunder
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – OCTOBER 8: Josh Huestis #34 of the Oklahoma City Thunder brings the ball up court against the Melbourne United during the first half of a NBA preseason game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on October 8, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***Josh Huestis ;”n”n”n”n”n
Huestis’ NBA career didn’t pan out as expected despite a solid college career.
Where is he today?
He last played in the G-League in 2022.
28. C.J. Wilcox – Los Angeles Clippers
TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 03: C.J. Wilcox #30 of the Los Angeles Clippers poses for a portrait during the 2014 NBA rookie photo shoot at MSG Training Center on August 3, 2014 in Tarrytown, New York. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
Wilcox had a couple of stints in the NBA but played mostly in the G-League.
Where is he today?
He last played in the G-League in 2020.
27. Bogdan Bogdanovic – Phoenix Suns (Traded to Sacramento Kings)
LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 08: Bogdan Bogdanovic #8 of the Sacramento Kings passes against the Los Angeles Lakers during their preseason game at T-Mobile Arena on October 8, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Los Angeles won 75-69. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Bogdanovic has earned a reputation as one of the NBA’s top European talents today.
Where is he today?
He’s been with the Hawks since 2020.
26. P.J. Hairston – Miami Heat (Traded to Charlotte Hornets)
CHARLOTTE, NC – NOVEMBER 01: P.J. Hairston #19 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after a call during their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Time Warner Cable Arena on November 1, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Hairston’s time in the NBA was marked by inconsistency and underwhelming performances.
Where is he today?
Hairston officially retired in 2018.
25. Clint Capela – Houston Rockets
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 21: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets and Cody Zeller #40 of the Charlotte Hornets battle for the basketball during their game at Toyota Center on December 21, 2015 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
Capela has established himself as one of the NBA’s best rim protectors and rebounders.
Where is he today?
The Swiss big man now plays for Atlanta.
24. Shabazz Napier – Charlotte Hornets (Traded to Miami Heat)
TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 03: Shabazz Napier #13 of the Miami Heat poses for a portrait during the 2014 NBA rookie photo shoot at MSG Training Center on August 3, 2014 in Tarrytown, New York. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
Yes, Shabazz Napier was drafted before Nikola Jokic. Napier had a journeyman career, showcasing his skills as a backup point guard.
Where is he today?
Napier now plays in Italy.
23. Rodney Hood – Utah Jazz
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 4: Rodney Hood #5 of the Utah Jazz controls the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers at Vivint Smart Home Arena on November 4, 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
Hood has played for several teams and contributed as a valuable role player.
Where is he today?
Hood now plays in the G-League.
22. Jordan Adams – Memphis Grizzlies
TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 03: Jordan Adams #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies poses for a portrait during the 2014 NBA rookie photo shoot at MSG Training Center on August 3, 2014 in Tarrytown, New York. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
Adams was waived by Memphis in 2016 after suffering various injuries early in his career.
Where is he today?
Adams embarked on a South American career but has since made the move to Indonesia in 2023.
21. Mitch McGary – Oklahoma City Thunder
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – FEBRUARY 8: Mitch McGary #33 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts during the second quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Chesapeake Energy Arena on February 8, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
McGary failed multiple drug tests in 2016 and the Thunder waived him after.
Where is he today?
He has stopped playing basketball since 2016.
20. Bruno Caboclo – Toronto Raptors
TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 03: Bruno Caboclo #5 of the Toronto Raptors poses for a portrait during the 2014 NBA rookie photo shoot at MSG Training Center on August 3, 2014 in Tarrytown, New York. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
Caboclo has had limited playing time in his NBA career.
Where is he today?
Caboclo now plays in Serbia and the Euroleague.
19. Gary Harris – Chicago Bulls (Traded to Denver Nuggets)
DENVER, CO – MARCH 11: Gary Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets controls the ball against John Jenkins #12 of the Atlanta Hawks at Pepsi Center on March 11, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Hawks 115-102. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Harris has been a steady contributor on both ends of the floor for Denver early in his career.
Where is he today?
He’s now with Orlando but has suffered multiple injuries in the past few years.
18. Tyler Ennis – Phoenix Suns
PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 02: Tyler Ennis #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game against the Indiana Pacers at US Airways Center on December 2, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Ennis has played for several teams in the league but eventually embarked on an international career in 2018.
Where is he today?
Ennis now plays for Napoli Basket in Italy.
17. James Young – Boston Celtics
TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 03: James Young #13 of the Boston Celtics poses for a portrait during the 2014 NBA rookie photo shoot at MSG Training Center on August 3, 2014 in Tarrytown, New York. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
Young never really found his footing in the league.
Where is he today?
He last played in Italy in 2023.
16. Jusuf Nurkic – Chicago Bulls (Traded to Denver Nuggets)
LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 18: Ekpe Udoh #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers grabs a rebound against Jusuf Nurkic #23 of the Denver Nuggets during their preseason game at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on October 18, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
With Nikola Jokic’s rise in Denver, Nurkic was traded to Portland in 2017.
Where is he today?
Nurkic now plays for the Phoenix Suns.
15. Adreian Payne – Atlanta Hawks
Payne had a brief NBA career before taking his career overseas.
Where is he today?
Payne was shot and killed in 2022 after trying to prevent a domestic dispute.
14. T.J. Warren – Phoenix Suns
PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 02: T.J. Warren #12 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game against the Indiana Pacers at US Airways Center on December 2, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Warren became a reliable scoring option for each team he’s played with in his career.
Where is he today?
He now plays for the Timberwolves after his 10-day deals were converted into a standard contract in 2024.
13. Zach LaVine – Minnesota Timberwolves
DENVER, CO – JANUARY 17: Zach LaVine #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves takes a shot over Darrell Arthur #00 of the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on January 17, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 113-105. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Aside from being one of the league’s premier scorers, LaVine won two Slam Dunk Contest titles.
Where is he today?
LaVine is currently Chicago’s franchise player.
12. Dario Saric – Orlando Magic (Traded to Philadelphia 76ers)
CAMDEN, NJ – SEPTEMBER 25: Dario Saric #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Yes, Dario Saric was drafted before Nikola Jokic. Saric made his NBA debut in 2016 but dealt with injuries shortly after.
Where is he today?
Saric is now looking for a fresh start with Golden State.
11. Doug McDermott – Denver Nuggets (Traded to Chicago Bulls)
COLUMBUS, OH – OCTOBER 20: Doug McDermott #3 of the Chicago Bulls drives around the defense of Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half at the Jerome Schottenstein Center on October 20, 2014 in Columbus, Ohio. Cleveland defeated Chicago 107-98. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
Yes, Doug McDermott was drafted before Nikola Jokic. McDermott has become a valuable scorer off the bench for several teams.
Where is he today?
McDermott is now playing for the Pacers.
10. Elfrid Payton – Philadelphia 76ers (Traded to Orlando Magic)
DENVER, CO – JANUARY 07: Elfrid Payton #4 of the Orlando Magic takes the court against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on January 7, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Magic 93-90. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Payton is a good player but his lack of three-point shooting made him a liability on offense.
Where is he today?
Payton now plays in the G-League.
9. Noah Vonleh – Charlotte Hornets
TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 03: Noah Vonleh #11 of the Charlotte Hornets poses for a portrait during the 2014 NBA rookie photo shoot at MSG Training Center on August 3, 2014 in Tarrytown, New York. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
Vonleh has had a journeyman career in the NBA, mostly serving as a backup.
Where is he today?
Vonleh took his act to China and now plays for the Shanghai Sharks.
8. Nik Stauskas – Sacramento Kings
TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 03: Nik Stauskas #10 of the Sacramento Kings poses for a portrait during the 2014 NBA rookie photo shoot at MSG Training Center on August 3, 2014 in Tarrytown, New York. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
Stauskas had stints with several teams before transitioning to the G-League and overseas.
Where is he today?
He last played for the Celtics in 2022.
7. Julius Randle – Los Angeles Lakers
PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 16: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 16, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 120-101. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Randle found success with the Knicks, earning a couple of All-Star selections due to his improved play.
Where is he today?
Randle continues to be the cornerstone of the Knicks.
6. Marcus Smart – Boston Celtics
BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 05: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics reacts after a three point basket late in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on November 5, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
Smart was named the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.
Where is he today?
After nine years with Boston, Smart was traded to the Grizzlies this offseason.
5. Dante Exum – Utah Jazz
HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 15: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets defends against Dante Exum #11 of the Utah Jazz during their game at the Toyota Center on April 15, 2015 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
Exum’s career has been marred by injuries in his time in the NBA.
Where is he today?
After a couple of years in Europe, Exum is now back in the league, playing for Dallas.
4. Aaron Gordon – Orlando Magic
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 18: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dunks against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on January 18, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Gordon spent several years in Orlando before being traded to the Denver Nuggets in 2021.
Where is he today?
Gordon won his first championship with the Nuggets last season.
3. Joel Embiid – Philadelphia 76ers
MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 21: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives on Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat during a preseason game at American Airlines Arena on October 21, 2016 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Embiid has emerged as one of the NBA’s best players. Embiid won the league MVP in 2023.
Where is he today?
Embiid is still with Philadelphia, trying to win a title for the city.
2. Jabari Parker – Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks Jabari Parker goes for a shot against Brooklyn Nets during their NBA game November 19, 2014 at the Barclay Center in New York. AFP PHOTO/Don Emmert (Photo credit should read DON EMMERT/AFP via Getty Images)
Parker showed flashes of brilliance with the Bucks but struggled with injuries.
Where is he today?
Parker now plays for FC Barcelona of the Spanish Liga ACB.
1. Andrew Wiggins – Cleveland Cavaliers (Traded to Minnesota Timberwolves)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 27: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in action against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on December 27, 2014 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Wiggins was traded to Minnesota in a deal that sent Kevin Love to Cleveland. He won the Rookie of the Year in 2015.
Where is he today?
Wiggins is now a solid contributor for the Warriors and has won a championship with them in 2022.
