Looking Back at the 2011 NBA Draft: Biggest Steals and Busts Revealed
Looking back at the 2011 NBA Draft always gives me that strange mix of nostalgia and disbelief. I remember watching it live, thinking how this class would reshape the league. Some teams nailed their picks, while others—well, let’s just say hindsight is 20/20. That night, names like Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson were called early, but the real drama unfolded in the steals and busts that emerged years later. If there’s one thing I’ve learned covering the league, it’s that draft night is part science, part lottery ticket. And boy, did this class deliver on both fronts.
The context matters here. The 2011 draft came on the heels of the infamous lockout, which shortened the season to just 66 games. Teams were scrambling, prospects had limited visibility, and front offices leaned heavily on pre-draft workouts and college tapes. I recall analysts praising the depth of this class, but no one could’ve predicted how wildly the outcomes would diverge. Kyrie going first overall to Cleveland felt like a no-brainer—his Duke stint, though brief, showcased elite handles and scoring instincts. Derrick Williams at number two? That raised eyebrows even then. But the real gems were buried in the late first round and even deeper.
Let’s talk steals first. Kawhi Leonard, picked 15th by the Pacers (and immediately traded to the Spurs), stands out as the crown jewel. I’ve always admired San Antonio’s eye for talent—they saw a raw, defensive-minded wing and molded him into a two-time Finals MVP. Then there’s Jimmy Butler at 30th. Chicago snagged him, and I remember thinking, "This guy’s work ethic might just outweigh his draft position." Fast forward, and he’s a six-time All-Star. But the one that still baffles me is Isaiah Thomas at 60th, the very last pick. At 5’9”, he defied every odds, even dropping 53 points in a playoff game for Boston. These picks weren’t just lucky; they were franchise-altering.
On the flip side, the busts of the 2011 NBA Draft sting just as much. Jan Veselý at number six? The Wizards hoped for a versatile big man, but he averaged a paltry 3.6 points per game over his NBA career. Jimmer Fredette, the college sensation picked 10th, never translated his scoring to the pros—I’ll admit, I thought he’d be a sleeper hit. And then there’s Derrick Williams, who fizzled out after a couple of seasons. What’s ironic is how some teams overthought it, passing on future stars for "safe" picks that ultimately weren’t. I’ve spoken to scouts who confess that missing on Kawhi or Butler still haunts them.
This brings me to an interesting parallel from outside the NBA—the mindset of players like Beau Belga from the PBA, whose quote resonates deeply here. He once said, "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. In-ano ko naman sa oras eh. Kung babanga talaga sa oras na hindi ako aabot sa laro, hindi ko ‘yun iko-compromise." That willingness to step up, to adapt, mirrors what late-round steals like Butler or Thomas embodied. They weren’t the chosen ones initially, but when opportunity knocked, they compromised nothing. It’s a lesson for any draft: talent isn’t just about position; it’s about readiness and resilience.
From my perspective, the 2011 class taught us that drafting is as much about development as it is about selection. Teams like the Spurs and Bulls invested in culture, while others rushed for short-term gains. I lean toward valuing intangibles—work ethic, basketball IQ—over pure athleticism. For instance, Klay Thompson, picked 11th, wasn’t just a shooter; his defensive growth made him a cornerstone for Golden State. Meanwhile, busts like Veselý highlight the risk of international picks without clear NBA fits. Data-wise, about 60% of first-round picks from 2011 had solid careers—a stat I’d argue is inflated by those late steals.
In wrapping up, looking back at the 2011 NBA Draft isn’t just an exercise in hindsight; it’s a blueprint for future teams. The biggest steals rewrote franchises, while the busts serve as cautionary tales. As a fan and observer, I’m biased toward the underdogs—the Isaiah Thomases who prove that draft position is just a number. If there’s one takeaway, it’s that the draft is a gamble, but the payoffs? They’re what make basketball endlessly compelling.