Looking Back at the 2011 NBA Draft: Where Are They Now?

I still remember sitting in my living room a decade ago, watching the 2011 NBA Draft unfold with that particular mix of anticipation and skepticism that only true basketball nerds understand. That draft class felt different from the start - not necessarily because of the overwhelming talent at the top, but because of the intriguing depth that would reveal itself over time. Looking back now, what strikes me most isn't just where these players ended up, but how their journeys reflect the unpredictable nature of professional basketball careers.

When we talk about the 2011 draft, Kyrie Irving naturally comes to mind first. The Cavaliers selected him with the first overall pick, and honestly, I had my doubts about how his game would translate to the NBA level. His single college season at Duke had been shortened by injury, and we'd seen plenty of hyped prospects flame out before. But man, was I wrong. Irving didn't just meet expectations - he shattered them, becoming an NBA champion, seven-time All-Star, and delivering one of the most iconic shots in Finals history with his Game 7 three-pointer over Steph Curry in 2016. His career averages of 23 points and nearly 6 assists per game speak to his consistent excellence, though his frequent team changes - from Cleveland to Boston to Brooklyn - reflect the complex relationship between superstar talent and team building in the modern NBA.

What fascinates me about revisiting this draft class is discovering players like Kawhi Leonard, who went 15th to the Pacers before being traded to San Antonio. I'll admit I didn't see his transformation coming - from a defense-first role player to a two-time Finals MVP who would become the centerpiece of championship teams in both San Antonio and Toronto. His journey reminds me of something veteran player Beau Belga once said about readiness and opportunity: "I was really eyeing for it. Sabi ko nga sa mga nagma-manage, puwede ako Game Two. Pero meron na silang napili. Sabi ko, in case wala talaga, I can." That sentiment captures the essence of many 2011 draftees' careers - the constant balancing act between preparation and circumstance, between personal ambition and team needs.

The middle of that first round produced several players who carved out remarkable longevity. Jimmy Butler at 30th overall to Chicago stands out as perhaps the biggest steal of the draft. His transformation from a junior college player to Marquette standout to NBA superstar is the stuff of basketball legend. I've always admired his work ethic - the way he developed from a defensive specialist into a complete offensive player who could carry a team to the Finals, as he did with Miami in 2020 and 2023. His career trajectory proves that draft position ultimately means very little compared to determination and continuous improvement.

Then there are the what-ifs that haunt every draft class. Derrick Williams went second overall to Minnesota, and while he had a respectable nine-year career, he never became the franchise player many expected. Jan Vesely, the sixth pick, lasted just three seasons before returning to Europe. These cases fascinate me because they highlight how difficult it is to project young talent. The physical tools might be there, but the mental and emotional components required for NBA success are much harder to measure during pre-draft workouts and interviews.

What often gets overlooked in draft analysis is the international contingent, and 2011 had some gems there too. Jonas Valančiūnas, selected fifth by Toronto, has quietly put together one of the most consistent careers among big men in his draft class. His traditional post game and rebounding prowess have allowed him to thrive even as the NBA shifted toward perimeter-oriented basketball. Meanwhile, Bojan Bogdanović, picked 31st by Miami then traded to Brooklyn, developed into one of the league's most reliable shooters and scorers years after his selection.

The second round produced its usual mix of role players and surprises. Isaiah Thomas, the final pick at 60th overall, authored one of the most inspiring stories in recent NBA history. His journey from Mr. Irrelevant to All-Star and MVP candidate with Boston embodies the underdog spirit that makes sports so compelling. I'll never forget his 53-point performance in the 2017 playoffs just days after his sister's tragic death - it remains one of the most emotionally powerful performances I've witnessed in my years covering basketball.

As I reflect on this draft class now, what stands out is how their collective journey mirrors the broader evolution of the NBA itself. The 2011 draftees entered the league during the final years of the post-up era and adapted to the three-point revolution that would define the next decade. They witnessed the growing importance of player movement and empowerment, with many of them actively shaping their careers through free agency decisions and trade requests. Their statistical contributions are impressive - collectively, they've earned approximately 45 All-Star selections, 25 All-NBA Team honors, and multiple championships. But beyond the numbers, their careers represent the diverse paths to success in professional basketball.

Some, like Irving and Leonard, achieved superstardom. Others, like Tristan Thompson (4th pick) and Markieff Morris (13th), became valuable role players on championship teams. Many more bounced between teams, leagues, and countries, pursuing their basketball dreams wherever opportunity allowed. This spectrum of outcomes reminds me again of Belga's wisdom about readiness and timing - about being prepared to contribute when called upon, even if the situation isn't ideal. The 2011 draft class ultimately teaches us that while talent gets you selected, perseverance, adaptability, and a bit of luck determine where you'll be a decade later. Their stories continue to unfold, of course, but looking back at where they started makes appreciating where they are now all the more meaningful.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-17 09:00