I still remember sitting in my dorm room with my buddies, the 2011 NBA Draft playing on our grainy television screen. We were all convinced Kyrie Irving was going to be special—that smooth handle was just undeniable—but the real debate was about who’d go second. Derrick Williams? Enes Kanter? It felt like the future of the league was being written right in front of us. Fast forward over a decade, and it’s wild to look back at how those top picks have carved out such different paths. Some became superstars, others faded into role players, and a few just vanished from the spotlight entirely. It’s one of those drafts that makes you appreciate how unpredictable basketball careers can be.
Take Kyrie Irving, for example. The Cavaliers picked him first overall, and honestly, he’s lived up to the hype in ways that are both brilliant and, at times, frustrating. I mean, the guy hit one of the most iconic shots in NBA Finals history—that Game 7 three-pointer over Steph Curry in 2016. But his journey has been anything but straightforward. From Cleveland to Boston, then Brooklyn, and now Dallas, he’s been as nomadic as he is talented. Love him or not, you can’t deny his skill. He’s an eight-time All-Star, and even now, in his 30s, he’s dropping 25 points a night like it’s nothing. But it’s funny—for all his individual brilliance, team success has often felt just out of reach since those Cavaliers days.
Then there’s the second pick, Derrick Williams. Man, I had high hopes for him. He was this explosive forward out of Arizona who seemed destined for stardom. But the fit in Minnesota was awkward from the start. They tried to slot him at small forward, but he never quite found his groove. Over the years, he bounced around the league—Sacramento, New York, Miami—before eventually heading overseas. Last I heard, he was playing in Turkey. It’s a reminder that draft position doesn’t guarantee anything; sometimes, the right situation matters more than raw talent.
The third pick, Enes Kanter, well, he’s had a interesting ride too. He was a beast on the boards, averaging a double-double for stretches in Utah and Oklahoma City. I’ll never forget his 20-point, 20-rebound game against the Clippers back in 2014—it felt like he was on the verge of becoming a dominant big man. But his defense was always a liability, and as the league shifted toward spacing and versatility, his role diminished. He’s played for what feels like half the league now, from Boston to Portland, and even had a stint with the Celtics where he was more of a vocal presence off the court than on it. These days, he’s not in the NBA, but he’s stayed relevant through his activism and media work. It’s a testament to how players can redefine their legacies beyond the court.
But you know what’s fascinating? Looking back, some of the real gems from that draft came later. Kawhi Leonard went 15th to the Pacers (and was quickly traded to the Spurs), and he’s turned into a two-time Finals MVP. Jimmy Butler was picked 30th, and he’s become the heart and soul of every team he’s been on. Meanwhile, the top picks like Tristan Thompson (4th) and Jonas Valančiūnas (5th) have had solid, if unspectacular, careers. Thompson won a ring with Cleveland and has been a reliable big, while Valančiūnas is still putting up double-doubles in New Orleans. They’re not household names, but they’ve carved out lasting roles, which is more than you can say for some.
It’s funny how time shifts perspectives. Back in 2011, I thought this draft would be defined by Irving and Williams, but it’s the depth that’s really stood out. And it reminds me of something I read recently from a Filipino basketball player, Beau Belga, talking about his own career. 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." Roughly translated, he was saying he was ready to step up if needed, but he wouldn’t compromise his timing or the team’s plans. That mindset resonates with so many players from the 2011 draft—guys who adapted, waited for their moment, and made the most of their opportunities, even if it wasn’t in the spotlight.
Now, as I reflect on where these top picks are today, it’s clear that success isn’t just about draft night glory. Irving is still chasing another championship, Leonard is battling injuries but remains a force when healthy, and Butler is proving that heart can take you as far as talent. Meanwhile, players like Williams serve as cautionary tales about the pressures of being a high pick. Personally, I think this draft class is underrated—it didn’t produce a LeBron-level generational talent, but it gave us a bunch of fighters who’ve shaped the league in subtle ways. And you know what? That’s what makes revisiting it so compelling. It’s not just about where they started, but where they’ve ended up—and the stories in between.
