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

Looking back at the 2011 NBA Draft feels like revisiting a time capsule of basketball history—a draft class that promised so much and delivered in ways both spectacular and surprising. I remember watching that night with my fellow basketball analysts, debating picks while crunching stats, and thinking how this group could reshape the league. Little did we know we were witnessing the arrival of future MVPs, champions, and a few what-ifs that still linger today. As someone who’s tracked these players’ careers over the past decade, I’ve seen their journeys unfold in ways that reflect not just talent, but resilience, adaptation, and sometimes, sheer luck.

The draft’s crown jewel, of course, was Kyrie Irving, selected first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Even back then, his handles and scoring instincts screamed superstar, but I’ll admit—I didn’t foresee him becoming a Finals hero and a perennial All-Star. Fast forward to now, and he’s racked up eight All-Star appearances, a championship in 2016 (that iconic Game 7 shot still gives me chills), and evolved into one of the most skilled guards in league history. Yet, his path hasn’t been without turbulence; injuries and off-court controversies have sometimes overshadowed his brilliance. Still, at 31, he remains a box-office attraction, averaging 27 points per game last season with the Dallas Mavericks.

Then there’s Kawhi Leonard, picked 15th by the Indiana Pacers (and quickly traded to the Spurs), who I initially pegged as a defensive specialist. Boy, was I wrong—or rather, incomplete in my assessment. His two NBA titles with two different franchises, two Finals MVP awards, and that methodical, almost robotic dominance have cemented him as a top-10 player of his era. But injuries have plagued him lately; he’s missed over 200 games in the last five seasons, and it’s heartbreaking to see such a talent sidelined so often. On the other hand, Jimmy Butler, taken 30th by the Chicago Bulls, embodies the underdog spirit I’ve always admired. He’s transformed from a role player into a six-time All-Star and the heart of the Miami Heat, leading them to two Finals appearances. His work ethic is legendary—something I’ve heard coaches rave about for years.

But not every story glitters. Derrick Williams, the second pick, fizzled out after a few seasons, bouncing between six teams before fading from the league. And remember Jan Veselý? The sixth selection played just three years in the NBA, averaging a paltry 3.6 points—a stark reminder that draft position doesn’t guarantee success. What fascinates me, though, is how international picks like Jonas Valančiūnas (fifth to the Raptors) have carved out solid careers; he’s still a reliable double-double machine, putting up 14 points and 10 rebounds last year.

Amid these narratives, the reference to Belga’s quote—though from a different context—resonates deeply with the draft’s unpredictability. 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." Translated, it speaks to readiness and compromise, themes that echo for many 2011 draftees. Some, like Isaiah Thomas (the last pick!), seized opportunities when others didn’t, while others, such as Jimmer Fredette, never found their fit despite hype.

Reflecting on this, I can’t help but feel the 2011 class is a microcosm of NBA life—full of twists, triumphs, and lessons. Irving and Leonard achieved greatness, Butler defied odds, and others serve as cautionary tales. As a fan and analyst, I’ve learned that draft night is just the beginning; it’s the grit and adaptability that define legacies. Today, as these players approach their mid-30s, their stories continue to unfold, reminding us why basketball remains the most compelling drama in sports.