Looking Back at the 2011 NBA Draft: Where Are They Now?

Looking back at the 2011 NBA Draft now feels like revisiting a time capsule of basketball history—one that I’ve followed closely both as a fan and someone who writes about the league professionally. That draft class was hyped for its depth, and over a decade later, it’s fascinating to see how careers unfolded, who exceeded expectations, and who quietly faded from the spotlight. I remember watching draft night thinking Kyrie Irving going first overall was a no-brainer, but what intrigued me more was the mix of international prospects and late-round gems that made this class so compelling.

When I think about the 2011 draft, Kyrie immediately comes to mind—the Cavaliers’ choice that paid off almost instantly. He won Rookie of the Year, became an NBA champion in 2016 with that iconic shot over Steph Curry, and has since evolved into one of the most skilled ball-handlers the game has ever seen. But his journey hasn’t been without turbulence. From his stints in Boston and Brooklyn to his recent role with the Mavericks, Irving’s career is a blend of brilliance and controversy—something I’ve always found fascinating to analyze. On the other hand, the second pick, Derrick Williams, never quite lived up to the hype. He bounced around six different teams and last played in the EuroLeague—proof that high draft position doesn’t always translate to longevity.

Kawhi Leonard, taken 15th by the Pacers (and traded to the Spurs), stands out as the biggest steal. I still remember his early days as a defensive specialist—nobody predicted he’d become a two-time Finals MVP and one of the most dominant two-way players of his generation. His quiet demeanor and methodical game have always resonated with me; there’s something magnetic about a player who lets his performance do the talking. Then there’s Klay Thompson, picked 11th by Golden State, who helped redefine modern shooting alongside Steph Curry. His journey—from an underrated prospect to a Splash Brother—is the stuff of NBA legend.

But not every story had a fairytale ending. Players like Jimmer Fredette, the 10th pick, became cult heroes in college but struggled to find their footing in the NBA. Jimmer last played for the Warriors’ G-League affiliate in 2021 before heading overseas—a path so many draft picks eventually take. And then there are those like Jonas Valančiūnas, the fifth pick, who’s carved out a solid, underrated career as a reliable big man—first with the Raptors, now with the Pelicans. He may not grab headlines, but he’s the kind of player winning teams need.

What’s stayed with me, though, are the quotes and moments that reveal the human side of these athletes. I came across a statement from Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ Beau Belga in the Philippine basketball scene—not an NBA name, but his words hit home for any athlete on the cusp of opportunity. He 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 mix of hope, flexibility, and realism—it mirrors what so many 2011 draftees faced. Not everyone gets the spotlight, but everyone has a story.

Statistically, this draft class has been remarkably productive. Of the 60 players selected, 12 became All-Stars, and together they’ve earned over 35 All-Star selections. Players from this class have combined for roughly 18 NBA championships—impressive, even if a few, like Kyrie and Klay, account for multiple rings. But numbers only tell part of the story. For me, the 2011 draft symbolizes transition—the last class before the league fully embraced pace-and-space basketball, and one that produced both superstars and role players who adapted beautifully to that shift.

Looking at where they are now, it’s clear that success took many forms. Kemba Walker, the ninth pick, gave us unforgettable moments in Charlotte before injuries slowed him down. He last played for the Monaco basketball club—a long way from his All-NBA days. Meanwhile, Isaiah Thomas, the very last pick in 2011, defied all odds by becoming a two-time All-Star and MVP candidate during his Boston peak. His fall from grace was just as dramatic, but his journey remains one of my favorites—proof that heart can sometimes outweigh draft position.

As I reflect, I can’t help but feel this draft class is underappreciated for its impact on the 2010s. It gave us franchise players, champions, and even a few what-ifs. Sure, there were busts—Jan Veselý, the sixth pick, comes to mind—but the hits far outweighed the misses. For every player who faded, another emerged in an unexpected role, whether overseas or as a veteran leader. The 2011 draft wasn’t just a event—it was a starting point for careers that shaped the modern NBA, and revisiting it reminds me why I love following the league’s stories, not just its stats.