Looking back at the 2011 NBA Draft, I still get that familiar mix of nostalgia and analytical curiosity. As someone who’s spent years studying player development and draft trends, I find this particular class fascinating—not just for its star power, but for the hidden gems and puzzling missteps that have shaped franchises for a decade. When I rewatch old footage or dig into scouting reports, it’s clear that teams were gambling on potential more than ever, and the results? Well, let’s just say hindsight is 20/20, but some picks still leave me shaking my head.
One of the biggest steals, without question, was Kawhi Leonard falling to the 15th pick. The Indiana Pacers originally selected him, only to ship him off to San Antonio in a deal that still haunts a few front offices, I’m sure. Leonard wasn’t the flashiest prospect coming out of San Diego State—his offensive game needed polish—but his defensive instincts and freakish hands were evident even then. I remember thinking, "If this guy develops a jump shot, he’s going to be special." And boy, did he ever. Fast forward a few years, and he’s a two-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, and arguably one of the best two-way players in league history. The Spurs saw something that others overlooked, and it paid off in spades. Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler at pick 30 feels almost like theft. Chicago snagged him late, and his rise from junior college to Marquette to NBA stardom is the stuff of legend. I’ve always admired his work ethic; it’s a reminder that intangibles can outweigh raw talent any day.
On the flip side, the busts from this draft are equally compelling. Take Derrick Williams, for instance, selected second overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was a phenomenal athlete at Arizona, but his game never quite translated to the NBA. I recall watching him in summer league and thinking he’d be a versatile forward, but he struggled to find a consistent role, bouncing between five teams in seven seasons. Then there’s Jan Veselý, picked sixth by the Washington Wizards—a 6'11" big man from Europe who averaged just 3.6 points per game over three seasons. Sometimes, the international transition is tougher than scouts anticipate, and in Veselý’s case, the fit just wasn’t right. What strikes me about these misses is how often they stem from poor team fit or unrealistic expectations, rather than a total lack of skill.
Interestingly, the draft also had its share of role players who carved out solid careers, like Isaiah Thomas at pick 60—the very last selection. At 5'9", he defied all odds to become a two-time All-Star, peaking with a 28.9 points per game season in 2016-17. It’s stories like his that make me love the draft; it’s not just about the top picks, but the underdogs who refuse to be overlooked. And speaking of being overlooked, I can’t help but think about the mental side of it all. Take that quote from Belga, for example—though it’s from a different context, it echoes the mindset of many late picks: "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 be ready even when you’re not the first choice, is what separates the steals from the busts. Players like Butler and Thomas embodied that, while others might have let doubt creep in.
Of course, not every surprise was a pleasant one. Kyrie Irving going first overall was a no-brainer—he’s had a stellar career—but the debate around him versus Derrick Williams at the time was real. I’ll admit, I thought Williams had a higher ceiling, but injuries and fit issues derailed that. Meanwhile, Klay Thompson at 11th to Golden State now looks like a steal, but back then, some questioned if he was more than a shooter. As it turns out, he became a cornerstone of a dynasty, a five-time All-Star with three rings. It’s a lesson in patience; teams that develop their picks properly often reap the rewards. Personally, I’ve always valued shooting in the modern NBA, so seeing Thompson thrive validates that bias. On the other hand, the Jonas Valančiūnas pick at fifth overall was solid, but not groundbreaking—he’s been a reliable center, though not the game-changer some hoped for.
Reflecting on all this, the 2011 draft teaches us that success isn’t just about where you’re picked, but how you’re nurtured. The biggest steals often came from organizations with strong cultures, like the Spurs and Warriors, while busts frequently emerged from chaotic situations. As a fan and analyst, I lean toward valuing fit and work ethic over pure upside, and this draft reinforces that. In the end, it’s a mix of luck, scouting, and player drive—a combination that keeps us all coming back to dissect it, year after year.
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