Looking Back at the 2011 NBA Draft: Biggest Steals and Busts Revealed

2025-11-17 09:00

Looking back at the 2011 NBA Draft from my perspective as someone who’s spent years analyzing basketball talent and draft trends, it’s fascinating how certain players either wildly exceeded expectations or fell dramatically short. I remember watching that draft live, scribbling notes and making my own predictions—some of which I’m proud of, others I’d rather forget. This draft class has become one of those pivotal moments in league history, filled with hidden gems and cautionary tales. When I think about the biggest steals and busts, names like Kawhi Leonard and Kyrie Irving immediately come to mind, but there’s so much more beneath the surface.

One of the most compelling aspects of evaluating drafts years later is seeing how player development, team fit, and even luck played a role. Take Kawhi Leonard, for instance. Selected 15th overall by the Indiana Pacers and then traded to the San Antonio Spurs, Leonard wasn’t initially seen as a franchise-altering talent. I recall many scouts praising his defensive potential but questioning his offensive ceiling. Fast forward to today, and he’s a two-time NBA champion, Finals MVP, and arguably one of the best two-way players ever. His rise wasn’t just about raw skill; it was about landing in a system that nurtured his growth. On the flip side, there’s Jimmer Fredette, taken 10th by the Milwaukee Bucks (and later traded). Jimmer was a scoring sensation in college, but his game didn’t translate well to the NBA. In my view, his lack of defensive versatility and playmaking limited his impact, and he averaged just 6.0 points per game over his career—a stark contrast to his college dominance.

Then there’s Kyrie Irving, the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. While he’s had a stellar career, I’ve always felt his draft position was a no-brainer, so he doesn’t quite fit the “steal” category. Instead, let’s talk about Jimmy Butler, picked 30th by the Chicago Bulls. Butler’s journey from a relatively unknown prospect to a multiple-time All-Star is the stuff of draft dreams. I remember watching his early games and seeing glimpses of that relentless work ethic—something that stats alone couldn’t capture. Over his career, he’s averaged around 18.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, numbers that far outshine many top-10 picks. On the bust side, Derrick Williams, the second overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves, stands out. He showed flashes of athleticism but never found a consistent role, bouncing between teams and putting up modest averages like 8.9 points per game. In hindsight, I think teams overvalued his college performance without considering how he’d fit in modern NBA schemes.

What’s often overlooked in draft analysis is the human element—the pressure, the expectations, and sometimes, the missed opportunities. Reflecting on a quote from Belga, who wasn’t part of this draft but whose words resonate, “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.” This mindset of readiness and compromise mirrors what many draft picks face. For every success story, there are players who, due to injuries or poor fits, never lived up to the hype. Take Jan Veselý, the sixth pick by the Washington Wizards—a player I was cautiously optimistic about. He averaged a mere 3.6 points and 3.5 rebounds in the NBA before heading overseas, a clear example of how international prospects can struggle with the transition.

From a data perspective, the 2011 draft had its share of surprises. For instance, Isaiah Thomas, the last pick (60th) by the Sacramento Kings, became an All-Star and once averaged 28.9 points per game in a season—a testament to finding value late. Meanwhile, players like Bismack Biyombo, picked seventh by the Sacramento Kings (traded to Charlotte), have had solid careers but not quite what you’d expect from a top-10 selection. Biyombo’s career averages of around 5.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game are serviceable, but I’ve always felt he was drafted more for potential than immediate impact, which sometimes backfires. On a personal note, I lean toward valuing players who show resilience, like Klay Thompson (picked 11th by the Golden State Warriors), who overcame early shooting slumps to become one of the greatest shooters ever. His 41.5% career three-point percentage is no fluke, and it’s why I’d argue he’s one of the bigger steals, even if he wasn’t a late-round pick.

In wrapping up, the 2011 NBA Draft serves as a rich case study in risk and reward. As I see it, the biggest steals—Leonard, Butler, Thomas—highlight the importance of scouting intangibles like work ethic and fit, while the busts—Fredette, Williams, Veselý—remind us that college stats and combine numbers don’t always tell the whole story. If I were advising teams today, I’d stress looking beyond the hype and focusing on long-term development. This draft, in my opinion, shaped the league in ways we’re still appreciating, and it’s a lesson in why the draft is as much an art as it is a science.