If you had to pick one man whose leadership is most essential to the future success of the Nuggets, would you go with coach George Karl or general manager Masai Ujiri?

My vote: Ujiri is more valuable. By a power of 10.

Contrary to popular belief, the potential free agent Denver really needs to lock up this offseason is not Andre Iguodala, a $15 million guard who shoots 58 percent from the foul line and is professed to be an all-world defender, yet can’t be entrusted to lock down Stephen Curry in the NBA playoffs.

Ujiri rescued the Nuggets from the chaos caused by Carmelo Anthony’s trade demand.

Ujiri has discovered real talent late in the first round of the NBA draft, while bringing Kenneth Faried and Evan Fournier to Denver.

Ujiri would be far harder to replace in the front office than Karl would be on the bench.

After being recognized as the league’s executive of the year, Ujiri picked a good time for his contract to expire in Denver. Sports executive Tim Leiweke helped bring the Avalanche to Colorado. Now Leiweke could steal Ujiri from town. Leiweke oversees the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors have cast covetous eyes at Ujiri.

Ujiri deserves a big raise from the Nuggets. Pronto.

During the playoffs, the Nuggets practiced at the historic, tony and musty Olympic Club in downtown San Francisco.

The doors to the basketball court were closed, much to the dismay of two club members, who wanted to take a peek inside to catch a glimpse of point guard Ty Lawson.

When Ujiri exited the gym to make a cell call in private, the club members were disappointed he wasn’t somebody famous.

“Who was that?” a guy dressed in sweats asked as Ujiri walked away.

“One of the most brilliant basketball minds in the NBA,” I replied.

My statement was met with an incredulous look and a one-word challenge: “Really?”

Really.

With all due respect to Lawson, Ujiri is the MVP of the Nuggets.

Lose Ujiri, and the Nuggets would be lost.