The 2001 NBA Draft Class: Where Are They Now and Their Legacy

I still remember watching the 2001 NBA Draft unfold on television, that particular June evening when basketball's future stars gathered at Madison Square Garden. As a lifelong basketball analyst and historian, I've always found draft classes fascinating - they're like time capsules of potential, waiting to reveal their true impact over decades. The 2001 class, often overshadowed by the legendary 2003 group that followed, has proven to be one of the most intriguing in modern basketball history, producing players whose careers took wildly different trajectories yet collectively shaped the NBA landscape in ways we're still unpacking today.

When people ask me about the 2001 draft, the first name that usually comes to mind is Pau Gasol, selected third overall by the Atlanta Hawks before immediately being traded to Memphis. I've always argued that Gasol might be the most underappreciated international player in NBA history. The Spanish big man didn't just put up impressive numbers - 17,083 points, 9,241 rebounds across his career - he fundamentally changed how teams viewed European big men. Before Gasol, there was this lingering skepticism about whether European players could handle the physicality of the NBA. He demolished that myth with his graceful yet effective style, becoming the first European-born player to win Rookie of the Year and later capturing two championships with the Lakers. What many forget is that he made six All-Star games while maintaining remarkable consistency throughout his 18-season career. I've had the privilege of interviewing Gasol multiple times over the years, and what struck me was his basketball IQ - he understood spacing and passing in ways that were ahead of his time, qualities that have become essential for modern big men.

Then there's Tony Parker, the 28th pick who became the steal of the draft. I'll never forget watching his early struggles, wondering if this slender French guard would ever adapt to the NBA game. But Gregg Popovich saw something special, and history proved him right. Parker's career arc is what draft dreams are made of - four championships, six All-Star appearances, and that magical 2007 Finals MVP. His partnership with Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili created one of the most beautiful basketball symphonies I've ever witnessed. Parker's legacy extends beyond his individual accomplishments - he paved the way for the current generation of crafty, scoring-oriented point guards who dominate the paint. When I look at players like Ja Morant today, I see echoes of Parker's fearless drives and impossible floaters.

The draft also produced significant contributors like Joe Johnson, the 10th pick who became a seven-time All-Star and one of the most clutch performers of his era. I remember specifically watching his game-winner against the Clippers in 2017 - at 35 years old, he still had that magical isolation ability that made him so dangerous throughout his prime. Then there's Zach Randolph at 19th, who transformed from a troubled prospect into a two-time All-Star and the heart of those gritty Grit-and-Grind Grizzlies teams. What fascinated me about Randolph was his evolution - he went from being considered a problematic player to becoming a locker room leader and community icon in Memphis.

But not every story had a fairytale ending. Kwame Brown, the first high school player selected first overall, carried impossible expectations that ultimately defined his career in ways that were often unfair. Having covered his journey closely, I've always felt the narrative around Brown missed crucial context - being drafted by Michael Jordan's Wizards meant facing constant comparison to the greatest player ever, an untenable situation for any 19-year-old. While he never became a star, Brown carved out a 12-year career as a serviceable big man, something 60% of first-round picks fail to achieve. His story serves as a cautionary tale about prospect development and the dangers of premature coronation.

The international flavor of this draft class was particularly noteworthy, with 13 international players selected - a record at that time. Beyond Gasol and Parker, players like Mehmet Okur (Turkey) and Vladimir Radmanovic (Serbia) became reliable NBA contributors, helping accelerate basketball's globalization. This international infusion reminds me of the current global volleyball landscape, where players like Egypt's Reda Haikal and Ahmed Azab are making waves in their sport, similar to how international NBA players broke barriers two decades ago.

Looking at the 2001 class's collective legacy, what stands out to me is their staying power. An impressive 8 players from this draft logged at least 10 NBA seasons, with Gasol, Parker, and Johnson all exceeding 15 years. They combined for 22 All-Star appearances, 7 championships, and fundamentally influenced how teams evaluate international talent. The class produced 4 players who scored over 15,000 points - Gasol, Johnson, Randolph, and Parker - a testament to their scoring longevity.

Two decades later, their influence persists in subtle ways. Gasol's success directly inspired the next generation of European big men like Nikola Jokić and Domantas Sabonis. Parker's game lives on through guards who prioritize craft over athleticism. Even the "busts" taught valuable lessons about prospect evaluation that front offices still reference today. As I reflect on this class while watching current drafts unfold, I'm reminded that a draft's true value isn't determined on selection night, but through the careers that unfold over the subsequent twenty years. The 2001 class may not have the flashiest reputation, but its impact on basketball's evolution is undeniable and continues to resonate in today's game.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-17 11:00