The 2011 NBA Draft Results: Top Lottery Picks Revisited And Redrafted
The 2011 NBA Draft marked a pivotal moment in professional basketball, shaping the league’s landscape for years to come. Held on June 23, 2011, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, this event brought anticipation and excitement as teams sought to secure promising talent for their rosters.
As the basketball world eagerly awaited the unveiling of the next generation of stars, the NBA Draft showcased a blend of future superstars and sleeper picks, setting the stage for a memorable chapter in NBA history.
Let’s delve into the overall landscape of the 2011 NBA Draft, and provide the answer to questions such as “when was Kyrie drafted?” and more.
A Showcase Of Remarkable Talent
The 2011 NBA Draft proved to be a showcase of remarkable talent, featuring a pool of prospects that would go on to make significant impacts on the league. Notable names such as Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Kawhi Leonard, and Jimmy Butler headlined this class, each carving out successful careers and contributing to the competitive balance of the NBA.
Alongside Irving, the draft introduced a class of impactful players, raising the question: Who got drafted to the NBA in 2011? The answers lie in a cohort that includes Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler, Klay Thompson, and others, each leaving an enduring imprint on the league and contributing to the rich tapestry of NBA history.
However, this draft’s depth extended beyond the first round, with hidden gems emerging as valuable contributors to their respective teams. Continuing from the overview of the draft, we now look at the specific results and player selections that made this event so important.
2011 NBA Draft Results: The Players Selected
FIRST ROUND LOTTERY PICKS
- Kyrie Irving (CLE)
- Derrick Williams (MIN)
- Enes Freedom (UTA)
- Tristan Thompson (CLE)
- Jonas Valanciunas (TOR)
- Jan Vesely (WAS)
- Bismack Biyombo (SAC)
- Brandon Knight (DET)
- Kemba Walker (CHA)
- Jimmer Fredette (MIL)
- Klay Thompson (GSW)
- Alec Burks (UTA)
- Markieff Morris (PHO)
- Marcus Morris (HOU)
REMAINING FIRST ROUND PICKS
- Kawhi Leonard (IND)
- Nikola Vucevic (PHI)
- Iman Shumpert (NYK)
- Chris Singleton (WAS)
- Tobias Harris (CHA)
- Donatas Motiejunas (MIN)
- Nolan Smith (POR)
- Kenneth Faried (DEN)
- Nikola Mirotic (HOU)
- Reggie Jackson (OKC)
- MarShon Brooks (BOS)
- Jordan Hamilton (DAL)
- JaJuan Johnson (NJN)
- Norris Cole (CHI)
- Cory Joseph (SAS)
- Jimmy Butler (CHI)
SECOND ROUND PICKS
- Bojan Bogdanovic (MIA)
- Justin Harper (CLE)
- Kyle Singler (DET)
- Shelvin Mack (WAS)
- Tyler Honeycutt (SAC)
- Jordan Williams (NJN)
- Trey Thompkins (LAC)
- Chandler Parsons (HOU)
- Jeremy Tyler (CHA)
- Jon Leuer (MIL)
- Darius Morris (LAL)
- Davis Bertans (IND)
- Malcolm Lee (CHI)
- Charles Jenkins (GSW)
- Josh Harrellson (NOH)
- Andrew Goudelock (LAL)
- Travis Leslie (LAC)
- Keith Benson (ATL)
- Josh Selby (MEM)
- Lavoy Allen (PHI)
- Jon Diebler (POR)
- Vernon Macklin (DET)
- DeAndre Liggins (ORL)
- Milan Macvan (CHA)
- E’Twaun Moore (BOS)
- Chukwudiebere Maduabum (LAL)
- Tanguy Ngombo (DAL)
- Ater Majok (LAL)
- Adam Hanga (SAS)
- Isaiah Thomas (SAC)
After reviewing the 2011 draft results, player selections in the lottery, first round, and second round, examining and highlighting the top performers from this historic event begins with this breakdown.
The 2011 Draft Standouts
The first standout is also the answer to the question “Who was the #1 pick in the 2011 draft?”.
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving the first pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers, emerged as a premier point guard with dazzling ball-handling and scoring abilities, securing eight All-Star appearances, three All-NBA Team honors and a 2016 NBA championship.
Kawhi Leonard
Drafted with the 15th overall pick then traded him to the San Antonio Spurs by the Indiana Pacers, Leonard emerged as a five time All-NBA, seven time All-Defensive stalwart, a two-time NBA Finals MVP and a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team. His tenacious defense and ability to perform in clutch moments propelled him to six All-Star selections and two NBA championships with the Spurs and the Toronto Raptors.
Jimmy Butler
A late first-round pick by the Chicago Bulls, evolved into a gritty and tenacious player, becoming a key figure for the Miami Heat. His leadership, defensive prowess, and ability to elevate his game in critical situations have garnered him six All-Star selections, five All-NBA honors, and a reputation as one of the league’s top two-way players.
Klay Thompson
A pivotal part of the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty, was chosen 11th overall. Known for his sharpshooting and defensive acumen, Thompson played a crucial role in the Warriors’ four championship runs, earning five All-Star nods, two All-NBA honors and setting records for three-point shooting.
Kemba Walker
Drafted by the Charlotte Bobcats (now Charlotte Hornets) with the ninth overall pick, showcased his scoring ability and leadership on the court. His contributions earned him four All-Star selections, an All NBA honor and made him a respected figure in the league.
Isaiah Thomas
Selected 60th overall (the last pick in the draft) by the Sacramento Kings, defied the odds to become a dynamic scoring guard, earning two All-Star nods and All-NBA honors with the Boston Celtics. Despite facing challenges, Thomas’s resilience and offensive prowess left a lasting impact.
Nikola Vucevic
A late first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers, developed into a versatile center. His skill set and consistent performances earned him two All-Star selections, showcasing the depth of talent in the 2011 NBA draft class.
While these players stood out prominently, other noteworthy contributors from the 2011 class include Tobias Harris, Reggie Jackson, and Jonas Valančiūnas, each making substantial contributions to their respective teams.
Below we will explore which player emerged as the NBA Rookie of the Year from this standout 2011 NBA class, highlighting the early impact made by a promising talent.
Who won the NBA Rookie of the Year from the 2011 Class?
Kyrie Irving. In his debut season signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Irving showcased an extraordinary blend of skill, composure, and scoring ability. Despite being limited to just 51 games due to injuries, Irving averaged an impressive 18.5 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game.
His exceptional ball-handling, sharpshooting, and ability to control the pace of the game immediately set him apart. Irving’s impact on the court was undeniable, providing a glimpse into his future stardom.
His scoring outbursts, including a 35-point performance against the reigning champion Miami Heat, demonstrated his ability to shine on the big stage. Kyrie Irving’s outstanding rookie campaign, marked by his offensive prowess and leadership, rightfully earned him the prestigious NBA Rookie of the Year award.
Next, we are redrafting the 2011 NBA draft’s lottery players allows us to see how teams might have chosen differently based on their performance and career paths.
Redrafting The 2011 NBA Draft Players In The Lottery
- Kahwi Leonard (CLE)
- Kyrie Irving (MIN)
- Jimmy Butler (UTA)
- Klay Thompson (CLE)
- Kemba Walker (TOR)
- Isaiah Thomas (WAS)
- Nikola Vucevic (SAC)
- Tobias Harris (DET)
- Bojan Bogdanovic (CHA)
- Jonas Valanciunas (MIL)
- Brandon Knight (GSW)
- Reggie Jackson (UTA)
- Chandler Parsons (PHO)
- Marcus Morris (HOU)
We started by redrafting the lottery players from the 2011 NBA draft based on how their careers turned out later on. Now we’ll talk about a few subtopics that shed more light on the many effects and stories that came from the draft.
Impact Rookies Beyond the Lottery
In the 2011 NBA Draft, we often focus on the top picks, but some rookies picked later, who bounced around the league, made a big impact too. Players such as Tobias Harris (19th pick), Reggie Jackson (24th pick), Bojan Bogdanovic (31st pick), and Chandler Parson (38th pick) have made a contribution for at least 9 years in the NBA.
These players, chosen beyond the first few lottery picks, surprised everyone by becoming crucial to their teams. Even though they weren’t the first choices, they showed their skills and proved that talent can come from unexpected places. Their stories highlight the unpredictability of the draft and how players outside the top ranks can have an influence in the league.
Legacy of the 2011 Draft
The legacy of the 2011 NBA Draft class extends far beyond the players’ early careers. This draft class has left an indelible mark on the NBA, influencing how the game is played and shaping the league’s competitive landscape.
With stars like Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler and Klay Thompson the class redefined positions, emphasizing versatility and two-way play.
As a whole the 2011 NBA Draft class has won a total of 11 championships, produced 7 All-Stars and received All-NBA team honors 17 times. This group earned 1st-Team honors (3x), 2nd-Team honors (5x) and 3rd-Team honors(9x).
The impact isn’t just statistical and accolades driven; it’s a cultural shift, showcasing the enduring influence of the 2011 draft on the evolving narrative of professional basketball.
Looking Back: Reflections on the 2011 Draft Class Today
The 2011 NBA Draft stands as a turning point, showcasing a group of players who not only became stars but reshaped the league’s dynamics. Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler, Klay Thompson and their peers left an indelible mark, not just with their skills but as leaders. Their journeys reflect resilience, growth, and a commitment to excellence.
From draft day surprises to memorable moments, the class has enriched the NBA’s tapestry. Looking back today, the legacy of the 2011 draft resonates, reminding us that it’s not just about the game but the stories and impact these players continue to bring to the basketball world.
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