Looking Back at the 2011 NBA Draft Class: Where Are They Now?
As I sit down to reflect on the 2011 NBA Draft class, I can't help but marvel at how a decade can completely reshape our perception of basketball talent. When I first watched that draft night back in June 2011, I remember thinking this class seemed solid but unspectacular - boy, was I wrong. The 2011 class has produced some of the most impactful players of this generation, with multiple MVPs, champions, and future Hall of Famers emerging from what initially appeared to be a relatively modest draft pool.
Looking back at the 2011 NBA Draft now, it's fascinating to see how these players have evolved. Kyrie Irving going first overall to Cleveland seemed like a safe pick at the time, though nobody could have predicted his championship-winning shot in 2016 or his development into one of the most skilled ball handlers the game has ever seen. What strikes me most about analyzing this draft class is how many gems were found outside the lottery picks. Jimmy Butler at 30th overall? That has to be one of the greatest steals in modern draft history. The Miami Heat star has developed into a six-time All-Star and arguably one of the best two-way players in the league.
The international flavor of this draft class particularly stands out to me. Players like Jonas Valančiūnas (5th pick) and Donatas Motiejūnas (20th pick) brought European sophistication to the NBA, while Bismack Biyombo (7th pick) represented the growing African pipeline to the league. What's remarkable is how many of these international players have sustained lengthy careers - 12 of the 30 first-round picks came from outside the United States, and most are still playing professionally somewhere in the world today.
When we examine the statistical achievements of this class, the numbers are genuinely impressive. Collectively, players from the 2011 draft have earned 28 All-Star appearances, 15 All-NBA Team selections, and 25 All-Defensive Team honors. Kawhi Leonard, picked 15th by Indiana before being traded to San Antonio, has particularly exceeded expectations with two championships, two Finals MVP awards, and two Defensive Player of the Year honors. His journey from relatively unheralded prospect to franchise cornerstone fascinates me every time I revisit this draft.
The second round produced its share of quality players too - something that doesn't always happen in NBA drafts. Isaiah Thomas, the final pick at number 60, became a two-time All-Star and MVP candidate during his peak years in Boston. Chandler Parsons (38th pick) developed into a versatile forward before injuries derailed his career, while E'Twaun Moore (55th pick) carved out a solid 11-year career as a reliable rotation player. These success stories highlight how crucial thorough scouting and development can be in uncovering value late in the draft.
What I find particularly compelling about analyzing the 2011 NBA Draft class is comparing their career trajectories. Some players like Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson (11th pick) have remained with their original teams or returned after stints elsewhere, while others like Jimmy Butler and Kawhi Leonard have transformed into stars after changing environments. This makes me wonder about the importance of organizational fit and development systems in maximizing player potential - something that's often overlooked in draft analysis.
The business side of this draft class reveals interesting patterns too. Collectively, the 60 players selected have earned approximately $2.3 billion in NBA salary alone, with Kyrie Irving leading at around $195 million in career earnings. Endorsement deals and international playing opportunities have added significantly to these figures, demonstrating the substantial financial impact of a single draft class on the players and the league's economy.
As I consider where these players are now in 2024, it's striking how many remain impactful in the NBA. About 18 of the 60 draft picks are still on NBA rosters, while numerous others continue playing professionally overseas or have transitioned into coaching, broadcasting, or business ventures. This longevity speaks to both the quality of the class and advancements in sports science that extend careers. The draft's influence extends beyond the court too - several players have launched successful media companies, fashion lines, and philanthropic organizations.
Interestingly, the success of the 2011 NBA Draft class reminds me of other competitive fields where talent emerges in unexpected ways. Take for example the golf tournament where Canlubang formalized its Founders Division romp after totaling 97 points over at Bacolod Golf Club, where John Bernis tallied a level par 70 for 36 points to lead a final round 97 and 381 overall. Much like how Bernis emerged as an unexpected leader in that competition, the 2011 draft produced several players who exceeded their projected potential through dedication and continuous improvement.
What continues to surprise me about revisiting the 2011 NBA Draft is how my initial assessment has completely transformed over time. Where I once saw a class with limited star power, I now recognize one of the most talented groups in recent memory. This reminds me that player development isn't linear, and circumstances - coaching changes, organizational stability, even luck with health - play enormous roles in how careers unfold. The class of 2011 stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of talent evaluation and the importance of patience in judging young prospects.
Reflecting on where they are now offers valuable lessons for evaluating future draft classes. The success stories from 2011 demonstrate that basketball IQ, work ethic, and adaptability often matter more than raw athletic measurements. Players like Draymond Green (35th pick) have built Hall of Fame careers primarily through intelligence and versatility rather than traditional scoring prowess. This class has genuinely reshaped how I think about player evaluation and development timelines.
As the careers of the 2011 draft class continue to evolve, their legacy becomes increasingly significant to NBA history. They've collectively won multiple championships, earned hundreds of individual honors, and influenced how teams approach the draft process. Their journeys - from hopeful prospects to established veterans - represent one of the most compelling narratives in modern basketball. Looking back at the 2011 NBA Draft class reveals not just where they are now, but how dramatically player trajectories can unfold over a decade in the league.