Looking back at the 2011 NBA Draft now, over a decade later, I still find myself shaking my head at how wildly unpredictable that night turned out to be. As someone who’s spent years analyzing draft classes and player development, I’ve come to regard 2011 as one of those fascinating turning points—a mix of franchise-altering steals, puzzling misses, and late-round gems that reshaped the league in ways nobody fully anticipated. I remember watching the broadcast that evening, clipboard in hand, scribbling notes that, in hindsight, look both prophetic and embarrassingly off-base. It’s a draft that reminds you why we love this process: for every sure thing, there’s a surprise waiting in the wings.
One of the most compelling stories that emerged years later—though not from the NBA world—comes from Philippine basketball star Beau Belga, whose mindset about readiness resonates deeply with what I believe separates successful draft picks from the rest. In an interview, Belga reflected on his own approach to availability, saying, “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 willingness to stay prepared, to be the next man up without compromising timing or readiness—it’s a quality I’ve seen in the biggest steals of the 2011 class. Players like Kawhi Leonard, who went 15th overall, didn’t burst onto the scene with flashy expectations. Instead, they embodied that Belga-like patience and professionalism, refining their game until the right opportunity arrived. Leonard, of course, became a two-time NBA Finals MVP and one of the most dominant two-way players in modern history. But on draft night, he was just another mid-first-round pick, overshadowed by names like Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams.
Speaking of Irving, let’s talk surprises—both good and bad. Irving going first was no shock; the Cavaliers needed a franchise point guard, and he was the clear top talent. But the real stunner was the Minnesota Timberwolves selecting Derrick Williams second overall. At the time, I thought Williams had the tools to be a versatile forward, maybe a 20-point-per-game scorer. Turns out, I was overly optimistic. He never found his footing in the NBA, averaging just 8.9 points over his career, and was out of the league by 2018. Meanwhile, Jonas Valančiūnas, picked fifth, has been a steady, productive center, but I’ll admit I expected more All-Star appearances from him. He’s put up solid numbers—around 13 points and 9 rebounds per game for his career—yet he’s often overlooked in discussions of top big men. Then there’s the curious case of Jan Veselý, chosen sixth by the Wizards. A 6’11” forward from Europe, he was supposed to be a dynamic scorer, but he fizzled fast, averaging a paltry 3.6 points in the NBA before heading back overseas. I recall thinking he’d be a sleeper hit; instead, he became a symbol of the draft’s unpredictability.
But the true magic of the 2011 draft lies in its steals, and that’s where my personal bias kicks in—I’ve always been a sucker for underdog stories. Take Jimmy Butler, selected 30th by the Chicago Bulls. Back then, he was seen as a defensive specialist with limited offensive upside. Fast forward to today, and he’s a six-time All-Star, a multiple-time All-NBA selection, and the heart and soul of every team he’s played for. I remember watching his early games and thinking, “This guy just doesn’t quit.” His work ethic mirrors that Belga philosophy of never compromising readiness, and it’s why he’s outperformed so many of his draft peers. Then there’s Isaiah Thomas, the very last pick at 60th overall. At 5’9”, he was written off by many, but he defied the odds to become a two-time All-Star and even averaged 28.9 points per game in the 2016-17 season. Sure, injuries later derailed his prime, but for a brief period, he was one of the most electrifying scorers in the league. It’s picks like these that make me question the so-called “experts” (myself included) who overvalue combine stats and underrate intangibles.
Of course, not every steal was a late-round miracle. Klay Thompson, chosen 11th by the Golden State Warriors, was viewed as a sharpshooter with defensive potential, but few predicted he’d become a cornerstone of a dynasty. I’ll be honest—I had him pegged as a solid starter, maybe a 15-point-per-game guy. Instead, he’s revolutionized the game with his three-point prowess, hitting over 1,800 threes in his career and forming one half of the “Splash Brothers.” Alongside him, Chandler Parsons at 38th overall was a pleasant surprise early on, though injuries cut his prime short. And let’s not forget players like Nikola Vučević, picked 16th, who evolved into an All-Star center. His consistency—averaging a double-double for years—shows how mid-first-round picks can yield massive returns if developed properly.
Reflecting on all this, the 2011 NBA Draft teaches a broader lesson about scouting and player development. It’s not just about athleticism or college stats; it’s about mindset, adaptability, and that unteachable hunger to contribute when called upon. As Belga’s words highlight, being ready without compromise can turn a overlooked prospect into a legend. In the end, this draft gave us future Hall of Famers, unexpected busts, and everything in between. For me, it’s a reminder to trust the process but expect the unexpected—because in the NBA, the next steal is always waiting in the shadows.