The 2011 NBA Draft was filled with great talent, from the Cleveland Cavaliers selecting Kyrie Irving with the No. 1 overall pick to the Chicago Bulls selecting Jimmy Butler with the final selection in the first round. However, in the midst of a draft that included seven All-Star level players, there were some teams that took major swings with their top-10 selections, turning those prospects into some of the worst whiffs of the 2011 NBA Draft.
Five Worst Whiffs in the 2011 NBA Draft
Derrick Williams (2nd overall)
With the No. 2 overall pick, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected yet another bust in Arizona forward Derrick Williams. Williams developed into an elite prospect for the Wildcats after two seasons where displaying his high-level athleticism and physicality. In his sophomore season, he elevated his play, earning 2011 Pac-10 Player of the Year while averaging 19.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and one steal per game.
The college star peaked at 12 points per game in his second season with Minnesota. However, Williams failed to take the next step during the following season as he was traded to the Sacramento Kings early into the 2013-14 season. Williams skill set never translated to sustained success in the NBA, marking what was the third consecutive draft day blunder by the Timberwolves with a top-six selection.
Jan Vesely (6th overall)
The Washington Wizards selected Jan Vesely with the No. 6 overall pick, taking a major swing on a versatile, NBA-ready international wing. At the time, many scouts were surprised he remained overseas for an additional season instead of declaring for the 2010 NBA Draft. As a draft prospect, Vesely contained loads of potential. In addition, he possessed the all-around offensive skill set of effectively driving to the rim and shooting from distance.
However, as an international prospect, he still needed to develop most of his raw tools, which never came together at the next level. Throughout his three-year NBA career, Vesely averaged less than five points per game. The Wizards drafted Vesely to develop into a running mate next to 2010 No. 1 overall pick, John Wall. However, within three seasons, Washington grew anxious and the rest of the NBA eventually gave up on his untapped talent.
Bismack Biyombo (7th overall)
One pick later, the Sacramento Kings selected center Bismack Biyombo, concluding the run on international prospects with picks No. 5, No. 6, and No. 7. Biyombo never spent a day in Sacramento as the Charlotte Bobcats acquired him on draft night in a three-team trade. Coming from the Spanish league, Biyombo’s biggest strength was his activity as a shot-blocker, averaging 2.3 blocks per game in less than 20 minutes of game action.
The development of Biyombo’s offensive game became a failure in Charlotte and on every team he played for. Despite that, he remained a consistent threat on defense, averaging 1.6 blocks per game in his first stint with the Bobcats. However, he didn’t develop into the defensive anchor teams thought he could be. Biyombo has built up longevity in the NBA as he enters his 15th season, but he never justified his top-10 draft status, truly only contributing as reliable, high-energy big man depth.
Jimmer Fredette (10th overall)
Even though the Kings decided to trade Biyombo’s draft rights to Charlotte, as part of the three-team trade, the Milwaukee Bucks gave Sacramento the draft rights to BYU guard Jimmer Fredette. Fredette spent all four years with the Cougars, dominating college basketball and earning 2011 National Player of the Year as a senior. That season, he averaged 28.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists on incredible long ball efficiency (39.6%).
This seemed like a home-run exchange for a player of Fredette’s caliber. However, he had a short-lived career as he never showed consistency in his limited opportunities. Fredette finished his five-year NBA career, barely averaging over 40% from the field. As he continued his basketball career, he had a three-year stint in the CBA where he averaged 37.2 points per game, becoming one of the most dominant players in CBA history. Despite this success, Fredette’s high-volume three-point shooting skill set remained a disappointment within the modern growth of the NBA.
Nolan Smith (21st overall)
Fast-forwarding to the 21st overall pick, the Portland Trail Blazers selected Duke guard Nolan Smith. Smith had just won the national championship in his senior season with the Blue Devils and earned 2011 ACC Player of the Year honors. He was a massive part of Duke’s run to the title as he averaged 20.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.
However, he only lasted two seasons in the NBA with Portland, averaging 3.3 points on sub-40% shooting from the field and sub-30% from three on his career. The Blazers whiffed on a veteran championship contributor. Luckily for Portland, this specific miss on Smith hides underneath the success of the small school guard duo in Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum who the Blazers chose in the following two drafts.
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